It all started during the summer lull of 2021. That period of time where we were all hopeful we had seen the worst of the pandemic and began to branch out again. So naturally, Quin and A.J. redownloaded the typically not so trustworthy dating apps and began the Sisyphean undertaking to try and find a partner. Quin messaged A.J. and a connection was clearly present because the first date could not happen for at least two weeks. They met in Mill Valley, at the Watershed. It was clear from Quin and A.J.’s first date that something was different, going on six dates in two weeks. This is not one of those love stories where it was love at first sight between Quin and A.J. That moment would be saved for Airlie, Quin’s golden retriever mix. Smitten, Airlie continues to assert her presence to let Quin know she is waiting in the wings. One month in, Quin was texting her friends that she believes she met her person and A.J.’s thought from their first date that “this really could be something special” were confirmed. Three months into dating, Quin, A.J., and several of Quin’s friends went to a swanky old steak house in San Francisco. After a couple of martinis, Quin suddenly looked at A.J. and exclaimed “I Love You!”, then promptly smacked herself in the face to cover her mouth, mortified. A.J. said it back. They were both done looking, not wanting to find someone else and hoping to make this relationship work. Finding times to meet in the middle for dinner, weekends in San Francisco and Petaluma, concerts, farmers markets, and Quin realizing she will need to snack more during the day because dinner will always be at least one hour later than A.J. says it will be. A.J.’s cemented Quin is special when she met his family for Thanksgiving. Quin gracefully managed the nerves of meeting A.J.’s family for the first time as she sat as a pillar for A.J.’s whole family when they had to put their family dog of 15 years , Bogey, to rest that same weekend. Quin became part of A.J.’s family and his parents are forever grateful for her presence that weekend. As Quin and Airlie’s love for A.J. grew, Pilsner, Quin’s senior chihuahua, continued to play hard to get. It wasn’t until his realization A.J. radiates a lot of body heat for his old cold bones. This and a week long stay at A.J.’s cemented their relationship. A year and a half in, Quin moved her business, dogs, and whole life to Petaluma. Airlie loved the yard, Pilsner hated the cold and rekindled with his one true love, blankets. Quin started working at the Humane Society and grew her business and carved a life in conjunction with A.J.’s, already established one. December 2nd, Quin had a dog adoption event in Petaluma. A.J. accompanied and met her there. A.J. and Quin did not know he was going to propose that day. He had planned for December 3rd however, Quin’s business had begun to catapult since September and she had booked three dog training sessions for the third. A ring burning in his pocket, Quin’s success as a business woman was ruining his plans. Pivoting, December 2nd became the date. A.J. quickly placed the two new dog tags onto each dog. Pilsner’s saying “Will You” with his name on the back and Airlie’s saying “Marry Me?”. On his way out, A.J. looked at the dogs, told Pilsner he “better not die” in the next two hours, and bolted for the the event. After two long hours the event ended, A.J. ditched Quin, racing home. Quin got home and chaos ensued. A.J. handed Pilsner to Quin, Airlie knocked over a plant, and Quin said “Oh, his tag says ‘Pilsner, will you’?”. A.J., on one knee, fending for his life against Airlie said “Airlie’s says ‘Marry Me?’” Quin cupped her hands over her face, an apparent theme, and didn’t say anything. A.J. asked if this means “Yes” and Quin said “YES!”, following things up with “I think I blacked out there. I don’t remember too much.” Airlie also got her ring. We are excited for you all to be there with us on October 12, 2024.