We Eloped! August 20, 2020

We met at Walt Whitman High School in 9th Grade. Never hung out much until 12th Grade when we had Anatomy class together. We would do our homework together every night. After High School, we lost touch for many years until we randomly ran into each other one day in Bethesda in front of the old Barnes and Nobles location. We decided to go out to dinner and catch up. Shortly after, Chris decided to move back to Colorado. We stayed in touch and talked all the time. While in Colorado, Chris fell skiing and broke his leg. Chris decided it was time to move back to Bethesda. Ana flew out to drive and move him home. Chris said it was on that trip across country he knew he wanted to be with Ana. Ana wasn't so sure after he made her drive through a Tornado. But once we made it home safely, we were together. We decided to go back to school. Chris went back to get his Master's in Early Elementary Education and currently teaches 5th Grade. Ana went to Nursing School and now works as a Neurological and Surgical ICU Nurse. Shortly after finishing school, we decided to move in together and adopt our baby, Aspen. Our White Golden Retriever puppy who is full of energy. At the beginning of summer, Chris proposed on June 17th, 2019 on a trip to Wintergreen, Va. It was the first day of the trip and we were exhausted. After dinner at Devil's Backbone, we drove up to see the sunset at the highest overlook. While sitting and watching the sunset, Chris proposed and we celebrated with champagne from Disney World! And the rest is history!

Unfortunately due to the COVID pandemic shutting down the whole world, our original wedding date of May 2nd had to be changed for everyone’s safety. Our new wedding date is Friday September 11, 2020. While this might seem like an unusual date for some, Ana and Chris actually have the same 9/11 story. They both of them were in Ms. T’s Spanish class when the towers were hit. They did mot know each other then because Chris was new to Walt Whitman High School and Ana ended up being home schooled for a semester shortly after this, and dropped the Spanish class. It was not until they started dating that they realized they were in the exact same class on 9/11. So it is interesting to think that on that date that no one will forget, they were in the same room as their future spouses who they would be marrying on that day! We hope to see everyone at the beach for our wedding. We are following closely the new regulations of what is being allowed for travel and number of people for gatherings and will keep everyone updated!

Due to the on going pandemic and Ana still working in a COVID ICU (she was promoted to Charge Nurse), we decided to Elope! We got married in Marco Island on August 20, 2020 on the beach at sunset. A huge storm was coming through with strong winds and tornado warnings. There was a small break in the storms that allowed enough time for the ceremony and pictures afterwards. We had the entire beach to ourselves. Our ceremony actually took place in the rain! More pictures will follow soon. We hope to celebrate with everyone sometime soon!