Connor and Mari met on the pool deck at Santa Clara University in 2013! Mari had just transferred in and Connor had just started his senior year! They instantly gravitated toward one another, and developed a friendship first. Eventually, Mari would make up excuses to hang out with Connor outside of swim practice (such as using his kitchen for baking, asking Connor to tutor her in neuropsychology- which she didn't actually need help with, or say that she needed a running buddy). Finally, one night at UCLA, after a swim meet, Mari made Connor climb up to a rooftop that overlooked downtown LA and they finally spoke of the feelings they had for each other. That was about a decade ago- and the adventure has never stopped. They overcame years of long distance, travels that took them to opposite sides of the world, graduate school (times two), and career moves and promotions. They adopted their first child, Moose, in 2017, and have nestled in to their home in San Diego. Connor has had multiple promotions at work, now working as a Sergeant for the San Diego City Lifeguards. Mari has been teaching high school English, as well as yoga, and is now pursuing her Doctorate in Education. Throughout the busy-ness of life, they have been each others constant. After Connor decided that he had waited long enough to make sure that Mari wouldn't run away to the other side of the world (again), he planned a surprise trip to Maui and popped the question along the Hana coastline, just the two of them. Saying"Yes" in paradise has been the highlight of an already incredible 10 years. Forever sounds pretty good to them! Connor and Mari can't wait to celebrate their love for each other, their life, and their future with all of you on June 8, 2024. Comfortable dancing shoes advised.