Our Story
Aida Asgari
Bride
Born: Tehran, Iran. Population: approximately 9 million. October 16, 1993. Tehran → Cypress → LA → Santa Cruz → SF Bay. Quirky. Witty. Adventurous. Big hair energy. Oncology nurse. Drawn in by sun, salt air, and redwood trees. Will tell you what the policy is.
Dan Drzal
Groom
Born: Derby, Connecticut. Population: approximately 12,000. September 16, 1991. Raised among rivers and hardwoods. Developed early affection for trees, mountains, the ocean, and music. Slightly feral. Frequently outdoors. Migrated west. Attended UC Santa Cruz. Lover of outdoor sports. Enthusiasm occasionally greater than structural integrity. Optimism intact.
First Contact
Jack’s Burgers, downtown Santa Cruz.
Dan: “I just watched a movie about a Polish nun called Ida.” Aida: “Yes. That movie is about me.” Conversation concluded. Impressions made.
First Expedition
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Several weeks later Layla (bridesmaid, co-conspirator) invited Dan to hang out. He planned a 14-mile hike through redwoods to a waterfall. She also invited two friends (Aida & Neda). Three girls: hungover and underprepared. One Dan: hiking hat secured, provisions for all. Aida & Dan fell into step. The moss was discussed. The slugs were admired. The jokes escalated. Neither seemed inclined to stop talking. Under towering trees, morale variable, something quietly began.
Courtship Attempts
First attempted date:
Aida canceled. Surf conditions favorable. First actual date: Sunset, Davenport cliffs. A 6-pack (grapefruit IPA). Spicy dark chocolate. Los Pericos tacos. Conditions: optimal.
First Kiss
A bench along West Cliff.
Post-taco optimism. Salt in the air. Witnesses: none. Minutes from our future ceremony. The location showed promise.
Through the Years
Travel included:
Mexico. Canada. China. Japan. Costa Rica. Thailand. Backpacking. Road trips. Camping. Pizza and wine nights. Learning to surf, ski, and sail together (sometimes successfully). Degrees earned. Jobs changed. Careers reshaped. Not every season easy. Every season easier together.
The Proposal
Secret Spot, Big Sur
A long, steep, sweaty ascent. Pace ambitious. Hydration questionable. Heart rate: Zone 4. A private hill top. The Pacific below. Poppies in full bloom. Two hikers. One concealed intention. She said, “Shut up. Shut up. Shut up.” And eventually, yes.
10 Years and Counting
Baloo (cat son).
Kadoo & Turnip (canine relatives). An RN. An engineer. Pacifica. Beach days. Dinner with friends. Family nearby. Calendars occasionally overcommitted. A very full life. We choose each other. Daily.