We're getting married!

We buzzed into each other’s lives on bumble (the dating app) in September of 2021. Big shoutout to Heather (Anna’s maid-of-honor) for convincing her to up the “age limit” parameter in her match criteria… or else we never would have crossed paths and our lives would be very different. What an extraordinary impact such seemingly little decisions can make! We clicked on our first date. Robert piqued Anna’s interest with his high flying, world traveling, fancy photographer ways and kept her interest with his clear commitment to his children (son Emerson and daughter Lillian), his steady presence, and his deep and playful spirit. The moment Anna reached out to Robert online, he was captivated by her sweet glowing smile and the twinkle in her eye. There was an authentic, joyful essence about Anna that drew him close. In Anna, Robert saw the promise of the home and family he had always longed for. After three months of getting to know one another and seeing each other as much as possible, Robert asked Anna the big question… “Would you like to go to Antarctica with me this month?” Anna quickly bought a parka and was on her way to the seventh continent! It was there, floating near the polar circle, that Anna couldn’t hold it in any longer. Her thoughts were so loud that Robert asked, “What’s on your mind?” And Anna confessed, “I love you”. Luckily, Robert loved her right back! We had a whirlwind first year together. In March 2022, on Anna’s 34th birthday, Robert met Anna’s parents for the first time - and they met him and the kids. He surprised Anna with a maple tree planting ceremony to represent the families coming together - our family tree! (Keep your eyes peeled for it at the wedding). Anna soaked in the beauty and intention all around her and fell deeper in love with this man of action – whose actions were inspired by his heart. Our vision of family was actively growing to encompass one another. Soon, Anna left her home (and gorgeous goddess roommates) in Aptos, CA to move into her new home with Robert and his incredible kids at Birdsong Cottage in Carmel. We had our first family vacation together - a beautiful week in Kauai. We took a two week trip to Scotland and Ireland (where Anna was a bridesmaid in her now bridesmaid’s wedding, Kaitlyn). We went to New Orleans and Anna’s favorite - the Grand Hotel in Fairhope, AL - for Christmas. We also bought a lot of succulents. Even more delightful than having found a fantastic new travel companion in Anna, was the way in which she organically and fully became family with Robert and his children. Robert says, “watching the relationships between Anna, Emerson, Lillian and I deepen effortlessly and witnessing her steadfast and consistently loving demeanor, made me fall even more in love.”

Our second year together began with another trip to Antarctica - and this time, Anna’s parents were the ones who got a last-minute invite to join! After that icy adventure, 2023 was a year primarily spent nesting and settling in together to the rhythms of our daily routines. Often, Anna and Robert would work out together in the mornings and then go for a walk along the coast or the quaint houses in Carmel-by-the-Sea. We both work primarily from home, so we get to have lunch together every day. And Anna makes dinner for the family every night at home (she has become quite the chef if I do say so myself ;) Family dinners are a sacred time for us as that is when we are all together. This was the year everything began coming up roses! Robert is quite the gardener – he tended to our new rose bushes, as Anna cheered him on. We installed a lovely new fountain, new retaining walls, and a Carmel stone platform by the oak tree swing. Little did we know that as we feathered our nest, we were setting the scene for the place where we would one day say our vows! We spent much time deep in conversation, laying bare our flaws, our beliefs, and our dreams, making sure we could come together in unity to sustain our relationship long-term and to captain a family together. And then… on glorious Christmas Day, waiting at the bottom of Anna’s stocking, was a juicy pear-shaped diamond ring! Robert was on one knee, and in front of the kiddos, he proposed. He said Anna was already a member of the family but asked if she wanted to make it official. She, of course, said yes to this man of her dreams. And here we are!

We found (and continue to find) the beautiful balance of both home and adventure in one another. We have our different opinions but share the same values that center love for each other and for our family. We hope to be blessed to grow our family soon and are most excited to blaze our own trail – creating a life for us all where we can authentically thrive – not bound by norms or structures – but free to live our one wild and precious life in the most beautiful and true ways we can. We have – at long last – found our forever loves in one another. And we are so excited for that forever to begin! We are having an intimate wedding to center our family and our chosen family. Thank you for being a part of the celebration! We love you.