Some pictures taken by Bill Leifer and others: https://photos.app.goo.gl/WxPl080pLp9n5QOw2

Enter two young, dedicated, busy professionals; one traveling for business once a week per month, the other studying the day away for board exams. Both were searching for work/life balance, but did not have the time or energy to explore their surroundings. Meet Coffee Meets Bagel. A cell phone app for young professionals looking for others their age who were serious about meaningful relationships. Seth and Heather talked for a few weeks on the app. Heather was intrigued by Seth's picture walking across a swing bridge in Ireland - as she was ready to meet someone adventurous and exciting. Seth was caught by Heather's radiant smile and quick wit - happy to meet someone who was down-to-earth and intellectual. After Seth returned from a business trip and Heather was ready for a night off from studying, they decided to meet at a local tapas restaurant. The night was absorbed in exuberant conversation and laughter. At dinners end, they decided to meet later that week for a proper dessert - soon to become their late-night ritual - ice cream!

In the early stages, with continued limited time for both young professionals, Seth often made the 45 minute trip out to visit Heather for dinner, dessert, and some outdoor fun. Seth taught Heather how to long-board (a true Californian activity), and Heather convinced Seth that daily walks are good for the soul (yes, even in the winter). Heather was appreciative of Seth being cognizant of her study time by making the trek each date, while Seth explained that to a California-native, a 45-minute trip was underwhelming. As Heather entered into her third year of medical school, dates were hard to come by with her clinical duties. Seth and Heather then decided that end-of-rotation festivities were a must for celebration. From teaching a Californian how to ice skate, to trips "up north" to Traverse City for the cherry festival and dune-climbing, Heather showed Seth the beauties of Michigan. From couples painting to walks in the Dow Gardens and an Annie play, Seth taught Heather how to make time for fun and creativity.

After Heather finished her last clinical rotation in OB/GYN in the depths of Sagnasty (aka. Saginaw, MI), Seth decided that she had put herself in enough danger living next to gunshots and nightly police calls. Following a date night at the Banff Mountain Film Festival, Seth asked Heather to move in to his house in Midland. With a little convincing, Heather decided this was the right step for their relationship. Late May, Heather moved in, just in time to study for her next set of board exams and pack lunches for Seth, who was working 80 hour weeks at the plant starting up new assets. While a challenging time for both, they learned to lean on each other for support and stress-relief.

Seth had the timing perfected. Heather was traveling to Fresno, CA for a clinical rotation in hematology/oncology at UCSF-Fresno for a month. Knowing Heather's love of hiking and exploring the mountains, Seth decided to ask the big question at one of the most scenic views of Yosemite Valley - the Panoramic Trail. After figuring out Heather's ring preference, Seth went to his great uncle to have an engagement ring personally designed and crafted. Seth spoke with his parents, inviting them to join in the fun at Yosemite as photographer/videographer of the engagement. He met with Heather's parents the week before heading to CA (of course, at a steakhouse) to ask for Heather's hand in marriage. There were (expected) tears of joy from Heather's mother, and Heather's father was happy to welcome Seth into the family with a firm handshake. Little to Heather's knowledge, after arriving to CA the night before (with the mandatory stop at In-N-Out), they set out for a weekend of adventure in Yosemite. Heather, Seth, and his parents spent the morning at Glacier Point. After lunch overlooking the valley, Seth recommended a hike along the Panoramic Trail. Overlooking Half Dome, Upper Yosemite Falls, and the greater valley, Seth proposed to Heather. Overwhelmed with joy and happiness (and not comprehending a single word that Seth said), she said YES! The end of the hike called for their usual celebratory treat - ice cream! The group then ventured into the Yosemite valley where they had cabins for the evening. After changing for dinner, they set out on a tour of the valley floor. The tour included sites of El Capitan (with climbers sited!), Tunnel View (site of save-the-date photo), Bridal Veil Falls, and the Merced River. Following the tour, a dinner at the Queen's Table in the Ahwahnee Hotel had been reserved, prepared with sparkling cider and a "Welcome to the Family" raspberry vanilla spongecake. The day had been a success.