We're getting married!

It was a dark and gloomy day.. just kidding.. it was a chilly December night and our San Jose Sharks were getting ready to hit the ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The players weren't the only ones getting ready for a crazy and good night, Meg and I were also getting ready for a night that, little did we know, would change our lives forever. We met downtown, enjoyed a drink at San Pedro Square, and walked side by side all the way to the Shark Tank. As we entered The Tank, it was time for another drink. You know, to cool the nerves! We told the bartender it was our first date, probably to mask a bit of the awkwardness (side note... whenever we go to Sharks games, we go back to the same bartender, who is always super happy to see we are still together). We finally found our seats, enjoyed a whole bunch of good conversation, and before we knew it, the game was over! To this day, we both admit watching absolutely none of it, conversation was that great. Me being the gentleman I am :), walked Megan back to her car where we enjoyed more conversation and made plans for our next date... or dateS. 2 dates followed that same week (sushi and Pro Bowl football game) and the rest was history. I remember I was instantly drawn to Meg's one of a kind personality, captivating smile and beauty. So much so, that I knew she was going to be someone special. I love spending time with her, whether we are out adventuring on mountain bikes, skiing the steepest of slopes, or on a casual hike ;) around the Bay Area. I'm excited to be spending the rest of my life with her, honoring her, and being the best I can be to make her happy and feel loved, always.

Ryan pulled off the impossible! If you know me, you know I do not fall for surprises. I am way to observant, curious, and inquisitive. What would seem to be just another Sunday hike, turned out to be the best hike I've ever been on. Ryan and I made plans a few days prior to go for a mid-afternoon/sunset hike. We love being outside, so this arrangement was ordinary. That afternoon, the sky was gloomy and I remember saying to Ryan "it looks kinda chilly outside..." AKA 'can we just be lazy and skip the hike.' He didn't fall for it, if I remember correctly, I didn't even get a response. Got my butt up off the couch, put some shoes on and off we went. Once we hiked the 3 miles to the top of Jones Trail, we stood there and looked over the valley. Though the sky was gloomy, the view was so clear. We could see all the way to Levi's Stadium. We sat down on the bench, chatted, took a photo for a family, said hello to a biker, and took few selfies (if you know me, you know this is also a regular occurrence). The last picture we were going to take was me jumping off a short fence. As I turned around to jump, BOOM, there he was, down on one knee ready to pop the question. I remember repeating (over and over and over) "omg, omg, omg, omg!" I couldn't believe it. "YES, YES, YES!!" Moments later, Ryan's good friend, Kevin, came out of the bushes... he captured the whole thing. I will forever cherish those pictures and videos. I stared at my ring the entire way down the mountain. Once we got back to our apartment, our immediate family was there waiting to celebrate with balloons, signs, snacks, and champagne. Two surprises in one evening. I am such a lucky girl, and know it. I am so grateful to be marrying my best friend! This will be a whirlwind 7 months, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am excited to be a wife and continue to bring out the best in each other. I love Ryan with my whole heart. We are so excited to celebrate with you on 8-14-20!