Of course, we met in another hemisphere, far from either of our respective homes. During the summer of 2014, Liv was interning at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, testing out a career that would allow her to travel; Mark arrived for his second tour with the Foreign Service on the heels of an exciting few weeks watching the World Cup in Brazil. After being introduced, we connected over food, travel, and music. Liv baked for Mark, Mark gave Liv advice for an upcoming trip to Cambodia, and when the techno music came on at the club, we stepped outside together. After Liv returned to the States, we kept in touch by sending playlists back and forth, with veiled suggestions in the musical choices about a growing romantic curiosity for each other. Mark invited Liv to spend New Years with him in California, and she surprised him by accepting. We spent our first date on a road trip to the beaches, mountains, and cities of California and somewhere between LA and San Francisco- perhaps while ice skating in Yosemite Valley or dancing to Classixx and Blood Orange- we decided we weren't ready to stop experiencing the world together. We embarked on a long-distance relationship between Singapore and Shanghai, where the distance made for a great excuse to meet up all over Asia. Our fondest memories include rendezvous in Hong Kong, Christmas in the Philippines with Mark's family, and riding motorcycles through the highlands of Vietnam. In 2016, we moved to beautiful Nicaragua, where Zorro joined the family, and we explored pristine beaches, tropical forests, and volcanos. In 2018, we returned to Washington D.C. where we have been thrilled to be close to family and friends. While driving down the Blue Ridge Parkway last October, we stopped at Linville Falls, dubbed one another our favorite person, and agreed to spend the rest of our lives together. Before we move to New Zealand this Fall, we can't wait to celebrate our wedding with you and embark on the next adventure of marriage!