Our Story
The Early Days
March 5, 2022-August 2022
We first met at a movie theater in Sunnyvale, CA, watching "Batman" with our mutual friends. Kaitlyn, Alannah’s best friend, had talked us both into going to this movie, and we were glad we did. Afterward, we all went to an Irish bar where we laughed and connected over our shared love for Russian River Brewery and Pliny the Younger. A few weeks later, we crossed paths again at Nick and Kaitlyn’s Oscar Party and later had our first date at Carmel River State Beach. Over the next few months, we made it work despite the distance, seeing each other weekly, each trip a little adventure. When Alannah moved from Monterey to Santa Rosa and Jeff from Mountain View to Pacifica, we knew the miles would stretch further, but we didn’t let it stop us. We were dedicated to making each a priority because we knew that what we had is special and worth the extra effort.
First Year Dating
September 2022-November 2023
During this first full year together, we traveled back and forth between Santa Rosa and Pacifica. It's safe to say that neither of us miss this drive now! We spent many weekends at the beach, went on many long walks and hikes, had many barbecues with family in Santa Rosa, and spent time in San Francisco and other parts of the South Bay. We definitely kept ourselves busy with many social gatherings with friends and family! Around Halloween 2023, we started searching for a place for us to move in together. We finally moved into our townhouse in Santa Rosa in December 2023, just before Christmas. We were so excited for this next chapter of our lives together, and we were ready to give our cars a break from the constant driving. Zealand was equally excited for Jeff to be around 24/7, and to not have to ride in the car as frequently!
First Year Living Together
December 2023-November 2024
Our first year living together presented us with an opportunity to create new routines and traditions without the long weekly commutes. We've been on a food and wine exploration around Sonoma County, leading us to become wine members at a winery, and enjoying Russian River's annual Pliny the Younger festival. We've also continued our beach trips, and we attend a weekly trivia night as the team "Prestige Worldwide". While all that is great, I think we would both agree that the moments that have been the most impactful are our daily walks with Zealand, getting to eat dinner together every night, being able to say goodnight in person, and being there for each other every singly day!
We're Engaged!
November 23, 2024
On a chilly November afternoon, Jeff proposed at Portuguese Beach in Bodega Bay, CA. The beach has been central to our relationship, and Jeff wanted to bring our engagement to a full circle moment. He was able to convince Alannah that she had a great idea to go to the beach while stopping at a fresh bakery and also grabbing a clam chowder bread bowl for lunch before the big moment. Despite a couple of hiccups throughout the afternoon, Alannah and Jeff made it to their engagement spot where Jeff got a resounding YES! There are so many amazing people who have been apart of our journey and we are so excited to get to celebrate with each and every one of you! Thank you to everyone who helped us get to this moment. We can't wait to celebrate with you!