In late July 2021, Sophie and Ethan met on the dating app Bumble, Sophie while aisle browsing in Whole Foods and Ethan while sitting in a non moving traffic jam on the 91 freeway. How very LA.

Sophie opened with an unusual question, "Alright Ethan, what's your go to 3am drunk food?" Her directness with Ethan's name in the question and the fact the question made him sit and think for a second about the answer, a bowl of pasta, was a first sign that this woman was something different than he'd ever seen.

After a brief courting period over text since let's face it, Sophie's a terrible texter, they scheduled a coffee date in Pasadena, a clear and obvious halfway point between Downtown L.A. where Sophie lived (10miles) and Eastvale (48miles) where Ethan lived. But he drives a Tesla and gas wasn't cheap.

Since Ethan worked weekends at the time, they met up bright and early at 8am on a Sunday morning. Sophie ordered a coffee and after Ethan ordered a tea it was only then that Sophie learned that Ethan didn't even drink coffee. For those keeping track, a man willing to meet a girl for the first time 50miles away at 8am on a Sunday morning to drink caffeinated tea can only be perceived as a green flag. Sophie had put two hours on the meter so she could provide an exit strategy in case things went south but both ended up enjoying such a lovely conversation and connection that she really did end up having to end the date early to refill her meter. What soon followed was more laughter and love either expected to find so soon after the pandemic.

Over the next few months, they became inseparable, spending their time exploring L.A., eating new food (Sophie had never had Korean bbq), hiking, and cheering on the Dodgers (when they weren't playing the Astros of course). Soon every weekend was spent together. Sophie experienced her first L.A. earthquake with Ethan in her downtown apartment. They spent several weekends at Disney reliving the joys of their childhoods and created new memories driving up the breathtaking 395 to Mammoth Mountain.

On October 22, 2021, Sophie was introduced and completely nailed the meeting of the parents. On the way home in her car, Ethan, inspired by Sophie's sociability and how quickly and comfortably she fell in with his family, told Sophie he loved her. Sophie answered that she loved him too, and from then and there, they focused intensely on each other and building a life for themselves together.

Of course, all couples have their challenges. An Irish blooded Dodgers fan was not exactly what Houston born, English bred Sophie would have imagined for herself but their shared loved of stadium food superseded all of that.

Their love has continued to grow and foster over the 3+ years. They continue to travel the world together having already conquered Mammoth, Yosemite (2x), San Francisco, and most recently Paris. Ethan knew his proposal would have to include a trip of some kind and a 4th of July Monterrey/Carmel by the Sea was the perfect setting. After days filled with local wildlife and wine, Ethan tried to pop the question on Lover's Cove but ultimately, it was in the private seclusion of the same car where they first told each other they love you, Sophie said yes!

Now living happily in Culver City they look forward to entering this next stage of life together and facing life's challenges hand in hand.

We thank you endlessly for the love and support each of you has given to each individually and as a couple.

We can't wait to see you all!!

With Love,

Sophie and Ethan