It all started with a coffee. Brian's first coffee, to be clear. After matching on Bumble, Brian asked Chelsea out to drinks. Chelsea said, "What about coffee?" Brian said "That would be great," thinking he would have a hot cocoa, and did not reveal that he had never before had coffee. He selected Zoka Coffee in downtown Kirkland, and later realized that Zoka literally has nothing but coffee on the menu. His trusty friends introduced him to a latte in the break room at work, and Chelsea found this story endearing and indicative of Brian's down-to-earth charm. Chelsea called her mom giddy after the first date, with Chelsea's mom saying, "I've never heard you like this after a date."

On their second date, Chelsea and Brian went on a walk by the lake on a hot spring day. They ended up in a garden (where they would later get engaged) and sat for a couple of hours chatting about anything and everything. Brian thought it was the sweetest thing when Chelsea offered to swap seats with him and be the one staring into the sun instead. Both would later say that this was the date when they really felt like it could be the "real thing."

Brian and Chelsea fell in love that summer, and quickly knew that it was a "when you know, you know" situation. They navigated a year of the highest highs and lowest lows, realizing that everything in life really is sweeter and better when you're in love with your best friend.

On Chelsea's half birthday, March 9th, Brian took her back to the same garden and same bench and proposed. It was the most sure question for Brian and the easiest yes ever for Chelsea.

Brian and Chelsea love to spend time in the garden, discovering new plants native to their beloved PNW. They can often be found at the movies, especially if there is a new horror movie out. They rarely go more than a week without a trip to a bookstore, and spend many cozy evenings cuddled with tea and their latest reads. During their relationship, they have completed at least a dozen puzzles, but still feel daunted by anything over 750 pieces. Brian and Chelsea try every month's Salt & Straw ice cream flavor release.

Brian has tried out Chelsea's craft hobbies, like embroidery and sewing, and Chelsea is learning how to ski and has become an expert at using a drill for DIY home projects. Most importantly, Brian and Chelsea love spending time with their families, friends and fur baby, Maggie. She enjoys being cuddled in her quilted bed watching the birds or playing with her favorite tunnel. We feel grateful every day for our cozy, happy life together.