Leigh Ann & Tyler

8.29.2026 • San Luis Obispo, CA
94 Days To Go!

Leigh Ann & Tyler

8.29.2026 • San Luis Obispo, CA
94 Days To Go!

Love Story

Love Story

Decades in the making

BY LEIGH ANN COLEMAN & TYLER GLASER

In 2026, our couple celebrates 12 years? Possibly even 13 or 14 years? The exact beginning is a little fuzzy (you’ll see). Their meet-cute journey is rarely shared, so no detail is spared in the timeline. We hope you enjoy the twists, turns, and unforgettable moments.


Leigh Ann and Tyler’s story begins long before they officially meet. Growing up in the same area, they attended the same middle school and high school without ever crossing paths, despite sharing many mutual friends. They had a couple of classes together but were seated on the opposite side of the room. Their younger sisters played soccer against each other and participated in similar community groups. Their dads even coached against each other and routinely ate out at the local Islands (not together).

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In these photos, Leigh Ann is in kindergarten or 1st grade (1997/1998), dancing to the Nutcracker in her living room with her sister, Laura, and Aunt Cindy. Tyler is in 3rd or 4th grade (2000/2001), with Sargent the iguana typing on the computer.





Leigh Ann in 8th grade at Oak Middle School.

September 25, 2005

Leigh Ann in 8th grade at Oak Middle School.
Tyler in 8th grade at Oak Middle School.

April 01, 2006

Tyler in 8th grade at Oak Middle School.
Leigh Ann and Tyler graduated from Los Alamitos High School.—Photo of Leigh Ann with her siblings, Laura and Bryan.

June 01, 2010

Leigh Ann and Tyler graduated from Los Alamitos High School.—Photo of Leigh Ann with her siblings, Laura and Bryan.
Tyler enjoyed summer break and got ready to go on a surf trip with friends following his graduation from Los Alamitos High School.

June 20, 2010

Tyler enjoyed summer break and got ready to go on a surf trip with friends following his graduation from Los Alamitos High School.
At 18, fate took them from Southern California to San Francisco State University. As they navigated the first weeks of college life, Leigh Ann decided to send Tyler a friendly message on social media. Her invitation to grab lunch in the cafeteria sparked a life-changing connection. Tyler, who had heard about Leigh Ann from mutual friends, accepted the invitation. From that very first lunch, the two clicked instantly and formed a friendship. Day after day, they continued to share meals, laughter, and stories in the cafeteria, building the foundation of a friendship that would eventually grow. —Photo at Ocean Beach, SF

August 20, 2010

At 18, fate took them from Southern California to San Francisco State University. As they navigated the first weeks of college life, Leigh Ann decided to send Tyler a friendly message on social media. Her invitation to grab lunch in the cafeteria sparked a life-changing connection. Tyler, who had heard about Leigh Ann from mutual friends, accepted the invitation. From that very first lunch, the two clicked instantly and formed a friendship. Day after day, they continued to share meals, laughter, and stories in the cafeteria, building the foundation of a friendship that would eventually grow. —Photo at Ocean Beach, SF
At 19, Leigh Ann and Tyler were both fully immersed in their college adventures. Leigh Ann was studying drawing and painting, while Tyler pursued marine biology (later continuing his studies to specialize in birds). With her film and digital cameras always in tow, Leigh Ann captured their many explorations of the city. The pair spent countless hours taking photos, enjoying late-night bus rides with friends, and seeking out new experiences. Their shared love for music led them to countless shows and even inspired them to start a music blog with friends. Beyond concerts and creative projects, they frequented bookstores and coffee shops for study sessions—though more often than not, they found themselves hopping on buses to discover the hidden gems of San Francisco with their friends. —Photo in front of a convenience store, waiting for the Muni in San Francisco.

September 20, 2011

At 19, Leigh Ann and Tyler were both fully immersed in their college adventures. Leigh Ann was studying drawing and painting, while Tyler pursued marine biology (later continuing his studies to specialize in birds). With her film and digital cameras always in tow, Leigh Ann captured their many explorations of the city. The pair spent countless hours taking photos, enjoying late-night bus rides with friends, and seeking out new experiences. Their shared love for music led them to countless shows and even inspired them to start a music blog with friends. Beyond concerts and creative projects, they frequented bookstores and coffee shops for study sessions—though more often than not, they found themselves hopping on buses to discover the hidden gems of San Francisco with their friends. —Photo in front of a convenience store, waiting for the Muni in San Francisco.
At 20, their time spent together began to feel more and more like dates. Frequent outings included activities such as going out to dinner or a walk in the park. In November 2012, they decided to go on a special camping trip at Point Reyes. When a friend asked to tag along, they politely declined—this particular trip was just for the two of them. On a rainy night deep inside the enchanted woods of Point Reyes, the two of them shared their first kiss. The moment was both wonderful and a little confusing at the same time. Were they just friends? Were they something more? They weren’t sure yet—but they knew they were about to find out. —Photo of the one-person tent in Point Reyes. It was raining and the tent collapsed.

November 29, 2012

At 20, their time spent together began to feel more and more like dates. Frequent outings included activities such as going out to dinner or a walk in the park. In November 2012, they decided to go on a special camping trip at Point Reyes. When a friend asked to tag along, they politely declined—this particular trip was just for the two of them. On a rainy night deep inside the enchanted woods of Point Reyes, the two of them shared their first kiss. The moment was both wonderful and a little confusing at the same time. Were they just friends? Were they something more? They weren’t sure yet—but they knew they were about to find out. —Photo of the one-person tent in Point Reyes. It was raining and the tent collapsed.
In 2013, still dear friends, Leigh Ann and Tyler celebrated their 21st birthdays. They spent lots of time with friends, delved into books, painted, learned how to cook, and even went on dates with other people. The future of their connection was uncertain, but their bond was as strong as ever. —Photo of Leigh Ann's 21st birthday with friends on the Muni.

May 28, 2013

In 2013, still dear friends, Leigh Ann and Tyler celebrated their 21st birthdays. They spent lots of time with friends, delved into books, painted, learned how to cook, and even went on dates with other people. The future of their connection was uncertain, but their bond was as strong as ever. —Photo of Leigh Ann's 21st birthday with friends on the Muni.
Leigh Ann and Tyler celebrated Halloween at Zeitgeist in San Francisco.

October 31, 2013

Leigh Ann and Tyler celebrated Halloween at Zeitgeist in San Francisco.
In January 2014, after a year filled with uncertainty and many tears, Tyler and Leigh Ann decided to give a relationship a real try. From the beginning, it was serious—they both had a feeling they were meant to spend the rest of their lives together. New Year's became a special celebration of their relationship and anniversary. By February, they exchanged their first Valentine's gifts and started the tradition of ordering takeout and staying in to watch a movie. For their birthdays that year, they shared unforgettable experiences, and their love blossomed and grew. And the rest is history! —Photo of Leigh Ann’s 22nd birthday (May 28, 2014), Tyler surprised her with a tour on a double-decker bus across the city—a gift and memory she would cherish forever.

January 01, 2014

In January 2014, after a year filled with uncertainty and many tears, Tyler and Leigh Ann decided to give a relationship a real try. From the beginning, it was serious—they both had a feeling they were meant to spend the rest of their lives together. New Year's became a special celebration of their relationship and anniversary. By February, they exchanged their first Valentine's gifts and started the tradition of ordering takeout and staying in to watch a movie. For their birthdays that year, they shared unforgettable experiences, and their love blossomed and grew. And the rest is history! —Photo of Leigh Ann’s 22nd birthday (May 28, 2014), Tyler surprised her with a tour on a double-decker bus across the city—a gift and memory she would cherish forever.
Leigh Ann and Tyler in New York.

July 28, 2014

Leigh Ann and Tyler in New York.
Leigh Ann and Tyler's first anniversary trip— New Year's Day in Yosemite.

January 01, 2015

Leigh Ann and Tyler's first anniversary trip— New Year's Day in Yosemite.
At 23, Leigh Ann and Tyler graduated from San Francisco State University and embarked along a road trip on the iconic Route 66. Their journey met them with breathtaking adventures at the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Santa Fe. As the years went on, they continued to grow as individuals and partners—facing life’s twists and turns hand in hand. Their future with it long-distance challenges, career development, graduate school, a pandemic, illness, and several different apartments. It also included plenty of smaller moments at the grocery store, reading books to one another, cuddles, movies, swimming, visiting family, solo time with friends, and lots of great conversations.

May 28, 2015

At 23, Leigh Ann and Tyler graduated from San Francisco State University and embarked along a road trip on the iconic Route 66. Their journey met them with breathtaking adventures at the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Santa Fe. As the years went on, they continued to grow as individuals and partners—facing life’s twists and turns hand in hand. Their future with it long-distance challenges, career development, graduate school, a pandemic, illness, and several different apartments. It also included plenty of smaller moments at the grocery store, reading books to one another, cuddles, movies, swimming, visiting family, solo time with friends, and lots of great conversations.
Leigh Ann and Tyler in Sedona, Arizona.

June 01, 2015

Leigh Ann and Tyler in Sedona, Arizona.
Leigh Ann and Tyler along Route 66.

June 02, 2015

Leigh Ann and Tyler along Route 66.
The couple move in together.

June 15, 2015

The couple move in together.
Tyler lived in Bolivia to work on the Blue-throated Macaw Conservation Project from September – November 2015.

September 01, 2015

Tyler lived in Bolivia to work on the Blue-throated Macaw Conservation Project from September – November 2015.
The couple reunited at Día de Muertos, San Francisco.

November 01, 2015

The couple reunited at Día de Muertos, San Francisco.
The couple shopped for their first Christmas tree in San Francisco.—Photo taken by Tyler.

December 01, 2015

The couple shopped for their first Christmas tree in San Francisco.—Photo taken by Tyler.
In 2016, Leigh Ann had started working at SFMOMA — spending lots of time exploring San Francisco and the arts community. Meanwhile, Tyler took on field opportunities in China (March – April 2016) and Colombia (August – October 2016). Between Tyler's time abroad, the couple continued their travels on the road, creating memorable moments at places like the Madonna Inn. — Photo taken by Tyler right after his trip from China.

July 02, 2016

In 2016, Leigh Ann had started working at SFMOMA — spending lots of time exploring San Francisco and the arts community. Meanwhile, Tyler took on field opportunities in China (March – April 2016) and Colombia (August – October 2016). Between Tyler's time abroad, the couple continued their travels on the road, creating memorable moments at places like the Madonna Inn. — Photo taken by Tyler right after his trip from China.
After nearly most of the year experiencing long distance, the couple spent lots of time in Golden Gate Park (GGP).

October 16, 2016

After nearly most of the year experiencing long distance, the couple spent lots of time in Golden Gate Park (GGP).
From March – July 2017, Tyler lived in Bolinas with Point Blue, about two hours north San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge (near the enchanted forest where their story began).

March 01, 2017

From March – July 2017, Tyler lived in Bolinas with Point Blue, about two hours north San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge (near the enchanted forest where their story began).
Navigating periods of long distance, Leigh Ann and Tyler developed their own lives separately and yet together. While Tyler spent lots of time away, Leigh Ann continued to spend lots of time with friends. She camped, hiked, painted, drew, taught art classes, and had an artists' studio of her own. Leigh Ann visited Pinnacles National Park for the first time with friends, a very memorable trip. Tyler and Leigh Ann texted frequently and exchanged music on a regular basis to stay in touch. —Photo taken by Anna Rotty at Pinnacles.

April 17, 2017

Navigating periods of long distance, Leigh Ann and Tyler developed their own lives separately and yet together. While Tyler spent lots of time away, Leigh Ann continued to spend lots of time with friends. She camped, hiked, painted, drew, taught art classes, and had an artists' studio of her own. Leigh Ann visited Pinnacles National Park for the first time with friends, a very memorable trip. Tyler and Leigh Ann texted frequently and exchanged music on a regular basis to stay in touch. —Photo taken by Anna Rotty at Pinnacles.
Camping trip near the Eel River and Russian River in Potter Valley for Tyler's birthday.

July 02, 2017

Camping trip near the Eel River and Russian River in Potter Valley for Tyler's birthday.
Tyler lived in the Dominican Republic from August – October 2017 for the Avian Seed Dispersal Project. Tyler experienced Hurricane Maria firsthand.

August 01, 2017

Tyler lived in the Dominican Republic from August – October 2017 for the Avian Seed Dispersal Project. Tyler experienced Hurricane Maria firsthand.
Leigh Ann visited Tyler in the Dominican Republic and they explored the island together.—Photo taken by Tyler.

October 14, 2017

Leigh Ann visited Tyler in the Dominican Republic and they explored the island together.—Photo taken by Tyler.
Dominican Republic.—Photo taken by Leigh Ann.

October 15, 2017

Dominican Republic.—Photo taken by Leigh Ann.
In 2018 Tyler and Leigh Ann hiked in Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais and ate at Crawstation in San Francisco every week. —Photo taken by Leigh Ann.

March 20, 2018

In 2018 Tyler and Leigh Ann hiked in Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais and ate at Crawstation in San Francisco every week. —Photo taken by Leigh Ann.
The couple spent time in their very special neighborhood, the Sunset District. In this photo, they were caught in the wild by friends at Tunnel Records. Leigh Ann walked around with a cozy mug of coffee. —Photo taken by Emma Tobin.

September 01, 2018

The couple spent time in their very special neighborhood, the Sunset District. In this photo, they were caught in the wild by friends at Tunnel Records. Leigh Ann walked around with a cozy mug of coffee. —Photo taken by Emma Tobin.
The couple went to Mexico City (Xochimilco) with their sisters Mackie and Laura.

November 22, 2018

The couple went to Mexico City (Xochimilco) with their sisters Mackie and Laura.
Tyler lived in Santa Cruz in the summer of 2019. Leigh Ann, Laura, and Paula visited Tyler frequently and played games at the Boardwalk all summer long. Tyler would soon leave California to go to graduate school at Tulane in New Orleans while Leigh Ann remained in San Francisco.

June 01, 2019

Tyler lived in Santa Cruz in the summer of 2019. Leigh Ann, Laura, and Paula visited Tyler frequently and played games at the Boardwalk all summer long. Tyler would soon leave California to go to graduate school at Tulane in New Orleans while Leigh Ann remained in San Francisco.
In late December, Tyler and Leigh Ann met in San Francisco to road trip to Portland (and back) for New Year's.—Photo taken by Jonathan.

January 01, 2020

In late December, Tyler and Leigh Ann met in San Francisco to road trip to Portland (and back) for New Year's.—Photo taken by Jonathan.
Leigh Ann visited Tyler in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. They danced, dined, and explored the lively city. They caught lots of beads and shared some very special moments. In the following months, the world would experience a lifechanging pandemic.

February 20, 2020

Leigh Ann visited Tyler in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. They danced, dined, and explored the lively city. They caught lots of beads and shared some very special moments. In the following months, the world would experience a lifechanging pandemic.
The couple reunited again on their trip to the San Luis Obispo region. —Photo from Carrizo Plain National Monument.

January 01, 2021

The couple reunited again on their trip to the San Luis Obispo region. —Photo from Carrizo Plain National Monument.
Tyler moved to Riverside. —Photo in front of Pee Wee's famous sunrise dinosaur in Cabazon.

January 20, 2021

Tyler moved to Riverside. —Photo in front of Pee Wee's famous sunrise dinosaur in Cabazon.
Leigh Ann relocated to Riverside to join Tyler. Together, they started a new chapter in SoCal.

May 28, 2021

Leigh Ann relocated to Riverside to join Tyler. Together, they started a new chapter in SoCal.
Tyler and Leigh Ann moved from Riverside to Fullerton. —Photo taken by Laura Coleman.

December 23, 2021

Tyler and Leigh Ann moved from Riverside to Fullerton. —Photo taken by Laura Coleman.
Catalina Island with Mackie and Lala.

January 01, 2022

Catalina Island with Mackie and Lala.
With a shared interested in plants and animals, Tyler and Leigh Ann began to explore the natural features of SoCal. —Photo taken while camping in Cuyama Valley.

January 26, 2022

With a shared interested in plants and animals, Tyler and Leigh Ann began to explore the natural features of SoCal. —Photo taken while camping in Cuyama Valley.
Leigh Ann's 30th birthday at Hamberger Mary's in Long Beach. —Photo taken by friends.

May 28, 2022

Leigh Ann's 30th birthday at Hamberger Mary's in Long Beach. —Photo taken by friends.
Tyler celebrated his 30th birthday while camping with friends.

July 02, 2022

Tyler celebrated his 30th birthday while camping with friends.
Together, they celebrated a milestone; 10 years since the camping trip that changed it all!

November 29, 2022

Together, they celebrated a milestone; 10 years since the camping trip that changed it all!
After contracting COVID for the first time over the summer, Leigh Ann developed autoimmune issues that significantly affected her mobility. From winter 2022 through summer 2023, she was often bedridden until the proper medication was received. It was a scary time for both of them. Tyler provided steadfast care — helping her with tasks like getting in and out of bed, putting on shoes, and sitting up. With a lot of time indoors, they watched all the trashy movies they could. This included: the complete Fast and Furious, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Magic Mike series. They hoped for a brighter future and made plans to move to LA once Leigh Ann was well enough. On rare days when Leigh Ann made it down the stairs outside, they celebrated with a lobster dinner! – Photo of Leigh Ann's walker and the couple on a day when things felt good.

November 30, 2022

After contracting COVID for the first time over the summer, Leigh Ann developed autoimmune issues that significantly affected her mobility. From winter 2022 through summer 2023, she was often bedridden until the proper medication was received. It was a scary time for both of them. Tyler provided steadfast care — helping her with tasks like getting in and out of bed, putting on shoes, and sitting up. With a lot of time indoors, they watched all the trashy movies they could. This included: the complete Fast and Furious, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Magic Mike series. They hoped for a brighter future and made plans to move to LA once Leigh Ann was well enough. On rare days when Leigh Ann made it down the stairs outside, they celebrated with a lobster dinner! – Photo of Leigh Ann's walker and the couple on a day when things felt good.
The couple moved from Fullerton to Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, and lived happily ever after.

August 01, 2023

The couple moved from Fullerton to Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, and lived happily ever after.
In 2024, the couple celebrated their 10th anniversary. —Photo from their special trip to Hawaii.

February 14, 2024

In 2024, the couple celebrated their 10th anniversary. —Photo from their special trip to Hawaii.
Tyler proposed to Leigh Ann next to the Santa Ynez River in Solvang.

January 01, 2025

Tyler proposed to Leigh Ann next to the Santa Ynez River in Solvang.
Our couple in the future. Married and dancing in the kitchen! (Illustration by Philippa Rice.)

August 29, 2026

Our couple in the future. Married and dancing in the kitchen! (Illustration by Philippa Rice.)

Click here to read more about Leigh Ann and Tyler's engagement story.

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