As most people these days, we met online using a dating app, Hinge. Erik liked a photo, Allie read his bio and disagreed with his favorite food (Teriyaki), they met for Tacos instead. A few fun dates of bowling, ping pong, a Seahawks game, and a really bad 80s Halloween movie at the Cinerama we were official. After a few fun months of Seattle date nights and a trip to Florida, COVID hit and the shutdown began. On a whim, we decided to pack our bags for a 2 week adventure to Lopez Island to ride out the lockdown.... 2+ months later we were still on the Island: Erik was teaching Allie golf, we had watched the entire Star Wars collection in chronological order, we biked around the island most days, and puzzled & played board games in our free time. Just us (and for a week Allie's MOH Becca), looking to what our future retirement may look like and loving every minute! Reality.. aka life in Seattle, eventually called us and we moved back, got an apartment together in Capitol Hill overlooking Lake Union, and began our future!

Embarking on the couple's first "big" vacation together since the onset of COVID-19 they set sail for Maui where they would spend the next 10 days along the Ka'anapali coastline relaxing in the warm water and golden sunshine. Their first stop was the Sheraton Resort for two nights before making their way north to Papakea' Resort for the remainder of the trip. Unbeknownst to Allie, Erik had made arrangements with the staff at the Sheraton for a "special" event the first evening of their trip, which he described as happy hour when prompted by the semi-skeptical soon-to-be bride-to-be. Naturally, Erik's bag did not make the flight to Hawaii (it was flown in on the next flight and shuttled to the hotel) but he had made sure to carry on the most important item. With a bit of luck his bag arrived quickly so they changed clothes and set out for their "happy hour" before dinner. Erik led the two out towards the beach before making a right towards the setting sun. On the lawn was a trail of pink flower pedals in a line down to the beach where it finished in the shape of a heart. Next to it, a single table with a bottle of champagne on ice and two flutes. Not far away but hidden from view, a photographer began to snap photos as Erik led Allie down the line of pedals pausing at the end and taking her hands. Positioning himself on one knee while the Hawaiian sun set beyond them, Erik asked Allie the most important question of their lives, to which Allie enthusiastically affirmed. The rest of the trip was spent celebrating at a host of restaurants, swimming and relaxing at the beach and pools, hiking, golfing, sailing, and shopping in Lahaina.