We couldn't wait so we changed the date...

From the first time he laid eyes on her, he knew he needed to find a way to her heart. Christina just started working at the Multnomah Athletic Club in the HR Department. Kevin had been working for the club for seven years at that time. As Christina approached the AYS counter for her new club card photo, Kevin’s eyes lit up. It was then he knew he needed to find the PERFECT way to break the ice and ask her out.  2 months later Kevin was still brewing on how he was going to build up the courage to talk to her. Meanwhile, Christina was over the dating scene as she couldn’t seem to find the “perfect” match. It was then that she found a new dating app on Instagram. Coincidently, Kevin saw the same app and said “let’s see what’s on here!” Christina showed her fellow HR mates the new app over lunch. They built her profile and swiping began! She quickly came across Kevin’s profile. Christina paused and asked them “What do I do? Isn’t this the guy that keeps coming in here from downstairs?!” They laughed and said “yes the one we never used to see until you started working here”. Christina’s instant reaction was to swipe left. Little does Christina know, Kevin is studying her profile so he can be the #1 match shes looking for. He uploads all the photos he has that shows him traveling, eating lobster, attending blazer and timbers games, and writes a summary on how adventurous he is. As he finalized his profile it brought him right to Christina’s picture. He waited days to finally make the decision to swipe right. A week or so went by and the HR gals had finally convinced Christina to swipe right on Kevin. “He can cook, he is fun, he likes sports, he will pretty much do anything for any girl he is with” was all they needed to say to finally make her realize it’s worth a conversation. Although it wasn’t ideal, Kevin found his PERFECT way to talk to Christina...We both to this day still don’t remember what that stupid app was called. 

After texting for a few weeks, Kevin asked Christina to attend a night out with him and his friends to play trivia...we all know how Christina LOVES trivia...but she went anyways with friends Stephanie and Meghan by her side. Meghan and Christina kept everyone guessing how they knew all of the answers. Little did everyone know they were looking up the answers beneath the table. “Date” 2 was the home opener of the Timbers game (compliments of DanCran). Christina would never turn down the opportunity to attend an event like this. They met for drinks before, enjoyed a close match and wandered the streets of NW after the game. Christina continued to believe that this was just the start to a new friendship.  The next story that sticks out the most is the time that Kevin invited Christina to a Blazers playoff game. Christina was excited as she hadn’t been to a game in awhile. She knew she probably had time to sneak in some wine tasting with some of her friends. One winery turned into two and Christina pushed time until it eventually ran out and she begged her friend to drive faster and faster so she would make it before the first half ended. Meanwhile, Kevin patiently waited and waited at Jacks until Christina arrived. Kevin, irritated, yet showed no emotion, greeted her with a smile as they went in and enjoyed the rest of the game. Texts and drinks continued which led to more games, concerts, new restaurants, hikes and more. Regardless of the many opportunities that would have allowed them to continue on to further stages into their relationship, Christina continued to believe a friendship was the only direction she could take. 

Two years had past from the time the two first met. There was no doubt that the two could catch each other’s eye across the room regardless of who else was around. Christina had his attention the second he walked into the MAC Prom in her black dress, the 2017 employee recognition dinner. But Kevin played it cool. Christina was in charge of the photo booth and ensured all guests got their photo taken in the Prom cutout. Kevin walked in with his date, Ryan, and it only could bring Christina to a smile knowing he a) wasn’t with another girl and b) they both had matching tuxedo t-shirts on. The event was a success and throughout it all, Kevin couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. He warned Ryan that this was the night he was going to make his final attempt and if it didn’t work he was willing to do whatever it took to win her heart over. Kevin’s plan worked. From that night forward they agreed to continue to grow their friendship stronger. It meant sacrifices for the both of them, but they were willing to compromise and put their best foot forward. Before you knew it, Christina was traveling for the holidays with Kevin’s family. 6 months later they decided to move in with each other into a downtown 300 sq foot mirco mini-loft just blocks away from MAC. A year later, they had saved enough money to purchase their first home. 4 months following, they decided to grow their family with a puppy, Rubi Jules. They quickly grew to love one another through trial and error, increased communication, traveling adventures, and joining 8 wine clubs along the way. 

Kevin knew the next step was in the forefront. As he knew on day one, that she was the one, he called Ryan and said, “I’m ready to buy a ring and I want you there by my side”. After months of planning and knowing our trip to Alaska was upcoming, nothing else went through his head as he was going to propose under the dancing northern lights.  Kevin had the ring on him at all times while in Alaska. Excursion after excursion took place and late nights continued to disappoint while waiting for the northern lights to dance. There was one night left and the chances were still slim of seeing the lights but we continued with our last excursion in a sno-cat from Chena Hot Springs to the top of the Charlie Dome. It was January 2, 2020 and only -25 degrees...not your ideal weather. The two traveled to the heated yurt with Kevin’s parents and 40 of their newly “closest” friends. Someone yelled out, “the lights are here!” Kevin’s heart started beating faster and faster. He knew this could be his only chance for the perfectly planned proposal he had in store. As they took in the siting together, Kevin dropped to one knee, shared his love for Christina, and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him.  She said yes! And here they are today ready to celebrate, with all of you, their everlasting love!