On a Fall evening in Northern California, in the small town of Arcata, tucked between the redwood forest, we unexpectedly stumbled into each others lives. Alyssa's roommate told her guests were expected for dinner and by default Alyssa was invited to attend. Noah's only friend from work happened to be one of those guests, and invited him to join. Over the coming year we shared moments of friendship together, but timing left it at that. It wasn't until we reconnected in Southern California where our paths crossed once again, that we realized our common interests and chemistry had the potential for something deeper. Over a cup of coffee, an old friendship rekindled, and from the spark, love grew.

We always knew we would get engaged in the forest, well Noah did (Alyssa suspected it). Much of our adventures as a couple involved being outdoors so it was fitting the engagement should be as well. Noah planned to propose in Idyllwild (where we stayed on our first trip together) but due to the snow, that plan was delayed. He already purchased the ring, and didn't want to wait any longer. Meanwhile we were discussing a trip to the Palm Springs Arial Tramway, up the same mountain as Idyllwild but on the other side, reaching Mt. San Jacinto State Park. We planned to see the last of the snow with a cliffside picnic off the marked trail. Noah had the ring, the perfect spot, and the lack of patience to wait any longer. So we bought our tickets, Alyssa unaware of what was to come. After hours of hiking, crossing a river, and Alyssa losing her phone, we eventually found an isolated spot with a view and set up. When the scene was set Noah played a Lumineers cover of "This Must be the Place". With ring in hand, heart pounding, Noah exclaimed, "bear!". When Alyssa turned back, her eye's were met by a little brown bear shaped box. You can guess what happened next since you're on our wedding page.