We met as many couples do these days, with a little help from technology. Although it is not the meet-cute of a romance novel, we are grateful for those apps since it is likely the only way Jess would have left her books long enough for them to meet. Matt loves to tell the story of how he initially reached out with a cute, perfect little Harry Potter anecdote...and Jess completely ignored him. To be fair, she had just moved to Seattle and started a brand new job so she didn't really see it! Thankfully, he tried again a couple months later and this time it stuck. They had their first date at a coffee shop (a classic) and their second date was Valentines Day (though neither realized this until the waiter mentioned it). As the days passed by, Matt and Jess discovered that they both enjoy nerdy things like escape rooms, board games, and puzzles. They both had the travel bug and love to adventure together, traveling locally around the PNW and as far as India. And even more importantly, they both love cats, especially Jess's two kitties Penny and Tilly who took to Matt very quickly (definitely a good sign). Things progressed to meeting friends and family and just continued to feel right. When you know, you know! Then last July, Matt planned a week filled with Amazing Race activities which included revisiting their first date spot, wine tasting, book shopping, and kayaking. It all culminated in a light hike to Snoqualmie Falls where Matt got down on one knee and proposed. And Jess immediately said yes! And now here we are planning a wedding and a life together. We can't wait to get started!

The countdown is on for a night filled with food, dancing, love, and laughter. We hope you can join us!