On a Sunday afternoon in April, we first got to know each other over a hike through Valley Forge. After quickly bonding over a love of live music, cross-country moves and tales of grad school, we drove separately to Cityworks (Nearby Bar) to have a post-hike drink. The date was going great. Bryan arrived at the bar first, got a table and waited for Maggie. Maggie got a flat tire. There was no spare. When Maggie finally did arrive at Cityworks, Bryan kept her company over a drink and some fried pickles. An unlucky turn of events allowed for extra time and conversation.

On a visit to Los Angeles to visit some friends, we took a quick overnight trip to Santa Barbara. After spending a day weaving around the "Funk Zone", tasting wine and eating oysters, we watched the sunset and woke up early for a hike. Bryan spent a lot of hours scouring AllTrails and found the perfect hike in the Montecito hills overlooking the ocean. There were several suitable places to propose on the hike, but Bryan had 1 specific spot in mind, a vista with an ocean view sporting a heart made out of rocks. Since our first date was on a hike, it seemed fitting to follow suit with the proposal. The trail was a bit crowded, but when they got to the vista, Bryan looked around, saw that the two of them were alone, and asked Maggie to marry him. Maggie said "Yes"! We happily ambled down the hill, grabbed some lunch and got ready for dinner. Starting at the Beach Bar at the Rosewood in Santa Barbara, we celebrated with an evening of champagne and great dinner - a perfect cap to an incredible weekend. We'll both remember it forever.