Port Townsend has been a treasured retreat for us since the first year we started dating. We went on a COVID Christmas getaway, and we've been back every year since. Running along the trails, marveling at the mountains, doing puzzles, sampling beers, enjoying the waterfront, and watching the ferries come and go were all part of our annual tradition in this wonderful place. When we started looking for places to celebrate our wedding, we knew that there would be no better place for us than Port Townsend. We were looking for a place with water or a place with mountains, and slowly realized we could have both! We cannot wait to share one of our favorite places with you and we know you'll find a beer, a view, a shop, or a moment that will make you fall in love with this place... please share it with us when you do!

In early 2023, I was planning on how I might ask Allie to marry me. We had talked about such things and were largely already committed to it, but I still wanted the ask to be special. With a trip to Bend, Oregon, planned and a ring in pocket, I connected with Cammy (Allie's cousin) and her husband Kevin. I told them that they should help convince Allie to hike to the top of Smith Rock on a Sunday, an ideal setting for the all-important question. That morning, Cammy and Kevin went to the grocery store while Allie and I cooked breakfast. Allie was excitedly telling me about a podcast which had to do with building community and fostering emotionally intimate relationships. In the course of explaining the details of the podcast, she excitedly blurted 'do you wanna get married?!.. ok there I asked you, now it's your turn". I couldn't help but laugh to myself and think 'well if you would just wait a few hours....' At the top of Smith Rock, with Cammy pretending to take our photo and instead taking a video, Allie said yes! We've been celebrating ever since, and we can't wait to celebrate with all of you :)

Most people in our lives have astutely observed that we really like to run. Allie and Tim got engaged while in the process of training for a marathon/half marathon race. We brainstormed wedding ideas on long runs through our favorite trails, waterfronts, and parks near our house and across the PNW region. Since running holds a near-and-dear place in our heart and we spent many runs thinking about this celebration, we'd like to invite everyone to join us for a Big Day 5K on the morning of our wedding! More details to come, but all are welcome :) It has been so special to create an idea of this day while sharing another hobby that we love so much!