In October 2019, Cameron and Rose met the old-fashioned way—on a dating app. Their first date was (not unsurprisingly) a hike in Del Cerro Park in Palos Verdes, California. When asked about what they remember from that afternoon, Cameron reminisces that Rose led the way on the trail, telling him enthusiastically about her niece's 1st birthday party (Slovak-themed) and her family tree (extensive, somewhat complicated to follow). Rose remembers that Cameron kept up well (both in the hike and her everlasting monologue) and that she was struck by his passion for his family, his friends, and his work. Their relationship continued to grow in the coming months. Subsequent dates included all the activities that many of you would expect of Rose and Cameron: roller-blading, rock-climbing, pizza-making, and, of course, more hikes. The activities gave each other to recognize not only shared interests but shared values. By the time Rose had to leave Southern California for Northern California to begin her 10-month-long Dietetic Internship, she could see a future with Cameron and vice-versa. Rose began her program in Atascadero, CA, working and learning full-time as she progressed in her journey to become a Registered Dietitian. Cameron stayed in Los Angeles, teaching high school history at Chadwick School in Palos Verdes. Across the distance and through the coming pandemic, they continued to support each other (virtually and in-person), learning more intimately what true partnership could mean. When Rose graduated from her program and moved back to Southern California in November 2020, they started spending most weekends together. In that same span, Cameron started and later completed his Masters of Education at Vanderbilt University in —wouldn't you know it!—Nashville, TN. After five years in California, he was looking to further his career at a new school. With Rose's support, he started the job search, and eventually, they jointly decided that Nashville and the University School of Nashville would be their next home. After saying goodbye to friends and family in Los Angeles, the two moved across the country (shout out to Gabe Park for accompanying Rose on the three-day journey with houseplants and pet fish in tow!) As the two got settled, Rose began training for an upcoming 10K river swim in Knoxville, TN. The training gave the couple an excuse to explore the lakes and rivers around Nashville. Cameron paddled on the paddle board next to Rose on every swim, to keep her safe, guide her on her path, give her a break if she needed it, and give her food and water. (Boy, if that ain't a metaphor....) When race day came in September 2022, Rose was ready for the swim but knew little of the planning Cameron had been doing quietly in the background. In secrecy that month, Cameron had asked Rose's father for permission for her daughter's hand in marriage, secured an engagement ring (his great-grandmother's) from his Aunt Susan, and coordinated with her older brother Caz and sister-in-law Elizabeth to be there in Knoxville to cheer Rose on during the swim and to document the proposal. According to Rose, she knew and expected nothing. That day, Rose swam confidently for more than three-and-a-half hours with Cameron at her side. Shortly after Rose emerged triumphantly from the water, Cameron pulled her aside on the banks of the Tennessee River, got down on one knee, and asked for her hand in marriage. She said yes. Since the proposal, Cameron and Rose have continued to grow their relationship and build their family. They adopted a foster-pup, Mabel, in October 2022, and the three live very happily together in Nashville, working hard, but baking often and doing plenty of hikes and outdoor activities (for the dog's benefit, of course.) After nearly 18 months of engagement, they are so excited to finally be married and for you to join them in Nashville to celebrate their love.

Rose, a true Pisces through and through, has always enjoyed swimming and water sports. Growing up within walking distance of the ocean, she spent much of her time surfing, swimming, or lounging in the sand. She even became a lifeguard as a high schooler, passing many hours of her summer on the pool deck and in the chlorine. After swimming in multiple open ocean races in California, Rose decided to sign up for a river race in Tennessee upon learning of their move. It gave her something to work toward and look forward to, and she knew the activity would actively involve Cameron in the training. While they were still living in Palos Verdes, Rose often asked Cameron to sit by the pool and serve as a lifeguard while she swam anywhere from 60 to 200 laps. Once they moved to Nashville, the rivers and lakes surrounding the city provided the couple opportunities to explore. Most weekends that first summer, the two packed Cameron's small car with the stand-up paddle board and packages of Trader Joe's "Scandinavian Swimmers" (Rose's fuel of choice) to head out and train in the heat of the Nashville summer. Most afternoons found Rose confidently swimming miles, while on others she had to climb on the paddle board and have Cameron bring her to the shore. The whole time, Cameron was her biggest cheerleader and support, keeping watch for boats and loose river creatures, standing ready with the water or snacks, and always encouraging Rose. They even made sure to make time to train in a nearby lake when they went to Massachusetts and Vermont for Cameron's family reunion in August By the time the race came around, Rose felt... mostly ready. They drove out to Knoxville, TN, where they met up with Rose's brother, Caz, and his wife, Elizabeth. Rose tried to relax, but with the weather channel forecasting possible rain and Cameron unexpectedly having the sniffles, she began to feel anxious. Unbeknownst to her, Cameron might have also been feeling a little anxious! His plan to propose, which he had only finalized that past week, was somewhat dependent on the success of the race. When the morning of the race broke the second weekend in September 2022, the skies were clear! While getting ready, Cameron heard Rose yell from the bathroom. She had dropped one of her contact lenses directly into her soap container and would have to swim the race with only one contact. During the drive to the bus stop, Cameron played Rose's then pump-up song and they jammed out. They took the bus to the start line and then had to separate so that Cameron could get on the paddle board. With butterflies in her stomach and sight in only one eye, Rose jumped off the starting boat, grasping her goggles for fear that they'd fly off her face on impact. As soon as she hit the water and started to swim, her anxiety melted away. She swam for 3 hours, going 6.2 miles down the Tennessee River in Knoxville, passing underneath 5 major city bridges en route to the finish line. Every 20 minutes she stopped for fuel and to chat briefly with Cameron, mostly about how much further she'd have to swim. Little did she know, Cameron was passing the time on the phone with one of his best friends, Dylan Williams, telling him about the proposal that would soon take place. Meanwhile, Caz and Elizabeth tracked their movement and found them at nearly every bridge! Trampling like two trolls underneath the bridge, they cheered Rose on from afar, sending updates to her family. Rose hit the finish line and nearly cried from joy. She climbed out of the water straight into Cameron's embrace. As they celebrated her success, Cameron plotted quietly about the proposal. When Elizabeth suggested heading to the river bank to take photos, Cameron knew he'd found his moment. With Caz and Elizabeth looking on, Cameron got down on one knee and popped the question. Rose said yes, the couple embraced, and onlookers from the competition cheered for the newly engaged couple.