We originally met in passing at the University of Washington while working in the ICU in 2016. We worked in different ICUs and would occasionally get floated to each other's unit. We gradually developed a friendship after endless nightshift pranks by Alex and mysterious tube-system notes. After a year of friendly banter, Alex organized a post nightshift breakfast with all his co-workers and invited me, but I thought it was odd that I was the only one from my ICU to show up. I eventually got the hints that Alex was interested in me and we went on our first date July 11th, 2018. Our love began over a game of Farkle and glass of beer. *Shout out to Liz Aagard for being my wing-woman and attending our first official date at Lagunitas Brewing with us for games + beer.

I knew we would eventually get married, but the proposal plan did not begin until after I had graduated from CRNA school. We had worked and gone to school full-time for the last four years, so we were ready for some rest and relaxation. Under the guise of a post-graduation vacation, we planned a vacation to Costa Rica which coincided with Mandie's friend Madeline's wedding down there. Mandie and I had gone ring shopping several times, just to get an idea of what ring size she wears and what kind of ring she would like some day. Little did she know, that I had already purchased the ring and had it secretly stashed at home. I had a feeling that Mandie was suspicious that I was going to propose in Costa Rica, so I made excuses (which were not very good) as to why I wouldn't, such as: "I would never bring a ring to a foreign country, what if I lose it?!" "I have been working too much, haven't had the time to go buy a ring" Well, needless to say, I did bring the ring with us to Costa Rica. I knew I wanted to propose but I just didn't know exactly where. We had never been to Costa Rica, so finding the perfect moment was challenging. On our second week in Costa Rica we stayed at a resort with beautiful and natural hot springs. I decided that this was the place to propose to Mandie. So, I carried the ring in the back pocket of my swimming trunks for hours as we swam in the hot springs until the moment felt right. As the sun was setting, we were alone in one of the pools and I felt that it was the perfect moment. I proposed and professed my love for Mandie, told her everything I loved about her and that I wanted to spend my life with her. She said yes! We look forward to getting married in July, and can't wait to celebrate with each of you.