Welcome to our Adventure!

In March of 2020, Dustin moved from Portland, OR to El Segundo, CA to start a job; risking it all for yet another incredible adventure into the unknown. At that same time nearly 30 miles away, Kandice was living in Seal Beach with Squirrel (the pup) while working full time during the day and earning her Master's degree by night. Serendipity brought these two together via Hinge (the app, indeed, designed to be deleted), and from then on it was evident they were "dustined" to be together. On the first date, many experiences bonded them immediately—a love for the Giants baseball team, running cross country, spending critical years in the Bay Area, a super competitive nature and winning every game they ever played, having teacher sisters always telling them what to do growing up (we love you guys <3), annoying the crap out of their sister teachers with ADHD antics for days, a soft spot for dogs that looked like Toto (RIP Squirrely Whirley and Pepper), hiking, general adventuring to anything new and exciting, and the list goes on and on. From that date forward, it was weekends spent basking in the sun—for Dustin—and hiding under long sleeves and floppy hats—for Kandice—taking long drives to go hiking, camping, backpacking, beach-bumming, and doing all things nature. There were days and weeks spent getting lost and ultimately found along seemingly endless trails. These two were somehow never confronted by wildlife beyond the social island fox or awe-inspiring mob of deer. These two knew pretty fast that what they had was special. COVID shutdowns sparked creativity for them both: while Kandice built a set for corn hole, Dustin built 95% of his pool table (one rail remains un-felted and the pockets need some serious restructuring—but, there's still time to finish it before the wedding, though, Dustin!) Long texts, extensive conversations, and too many laughs to count fermented their love, and a couple of Hazy IPA's didn't hurt. Within 6 months, they moved into their first home together in Lawndale, CA. Dustin learned what it really meant to live in a Latin community--the clutchness of an Elote man, fire authentic Mexican food, pan dulce, chickens in the yard, and plantain trees galore. Kandice learned how to play pool competitively, grow a garden, and navigate driving in LA--because it really is as bad as they say. Playing pool, watching pool, and going to pool tournaments became the daily adventures, and their skills grew stronger as a couple. From Vegas to Lincoln City, OR to Nashville, TN, and everything in between, there's no distance they’re unwilling to travel to see and play some high quality matches. When Dustin’s company opened a new Redmond, WA office location, it became a perfect opportunity to bring their new life together to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. For Kandice, this meant learning what it means to live outside of California for the first time, and for Dustin to share all of his favorite friends, places, and experiences with a Washington newbie. From new jobs for both Kandice and Dustin, to more recreational adventures such as mini golfing as lifetime members (GO FLATSTICK!), sailing, biking, island camping, hiking the Enchantments, grieving the loss of Squirrel, and gaining a new love in their life, Pandemonium (Pan, for short), their life has changed in so many ways. Here’s to looking toward the future and many more adventures to come as Mr. & Mrs. Sjoerdsma!