Shannon often thinks about the improbability of our paths crossing - the boy from Boulder coming to Corvallis, Oregon and falling in love with the girl from Beaverton.

The couple met online (a Match.com success story!) in February 2016 as Rob shifted from working in Minor League Baseball in Keizer to a position inside Oregon State Athletics. Meanwhile, Shannon was navigating the demanding and constant schedule of being a Kindergarden teacher at Mt. View Elementary School. Part of our story, and a large reason why our wedding is in February, is to continue in the spirt of the season that we met.

Some highlights from the early courtship - because remembering the early memories is so fun:

- On the third date, Rob made the power move to wear a three-piece suit. This prompted the first documented picture.

- Our first outdoor date was at Mary's Peak - in March! Because you can do no wrong in "the chase," we proceeded to drive to the top of the mountain, and then hike down to the base only to return to the top. This also marks the tale of Rob's having to straddle a downed tree and subsequent hiking trip quota of at least one obstacle in our path each time we hit the trails.

- Shannon graduated with her Master's in Teaching from Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon in May, 2016. Rob, leaning on his past experience of saving pews for the family at Christmas Eve service, successfully reserved two rows of seating using quilts and blankets - never once afraid of the consequences of putting a swim move on en elderly woman to make sure we had two aisles. Shannon and her family celebrated yet another educational milestone in her amazing Education career. Rob was simply happy to participate, yet so proud of her accomplishments!

- We made a commitment to our faith in returning to church together. The Northwest Hills Community Church has welcomed us with open arms. We have deepened our faith through study in our regularly meeting community group, re-committed our lives to Christ through couples baptism, and look forward to serving others in the future. This has truly been a blessing in our lives through opportunities to connect with others and to a firm foundation in our marriage.

- Our first big trip was to San Francisco in the Summer of 2017. Where to begin? Being that we are both super planners, we were able to canvass the city and take in all that this amazing city has to offer. Highlights include the 3-hour city tour in a vintage 1960s VW van (our tour guide was certainly authentic), seeing the Redwoods at Muir Woods, and of course the Golden Gate Bridge selfies.

Registry