It was the height of covid in early '21. We couldn't tell because of lack of taste and smell, but love was in the air. Brad and Alex matched on one of those dating websites and, after some initial sparks, made plans to meet in person. Brad, knowing he only had one chance at a first impression, picked a surefire winner: French-Creole & cocktails. Despite the waitress seating them on the same side of the table (bc social distancing), lots of laughs and a half-dozen beignets were shared and by the end of the evening, Brad & Alex were making plans for another date. One brunch & one sushi night later, bonding over childhood memories & outlandish dreams of owning a farm with a random assortment of animals, they both knew. The rest is history :)

Almost immediately after meeting, Brad knew Alex had a special place in his life. After a year and a half, he was ready to ask the big question. Telling Alex the cover story of 'helping with niece/nephew babysitting', Brad flew to Kansas City to purchase a ring. The fibbing continued when he told Alex his boss had invited them to a fancy dinner in Seattle on June 2nd -- perfect reason to dress our best! When we got to the restaurant, Brad faked a scheduling error. "We're an hour early! I messed up the time zone. How about we kill time at the Japanese Gardens down the street?" Being a first-timer to the Japanese Gardens, Alex was taking in the beautiful sights and interesting dancers. When she turned around over a stream, Brad was on one knee, with photographer hidden nearby, to ask for her hand in marriage. Did she say yes? Find out in Seattle on July 29th!