After competing in the annual World Jiu-Jitsu tournament in Long Beach, Alexis made a trip to visit her Aunt to celebrate in Napa. The next day she went to train at Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu and was greeted by Danny, who was not supposed to be working that day since he had just finished grad school and was on his way to Chicago! He was vacuuming the academy, when Alexis walked in and immediately he was curious where she was from and why she visiting, since it's rare to have visiting white belts, let alone female competitors. Danny was a brown belt, with no beard, no hair (we know, shocking, yes!) and was so sweet, embarrassed me only a handful of times--making sure that everyone knew she was from Arkansas, a visitor, and a new world champion as a white belt. No pressure there! They parted and that was it. Danny found Alexis on Facebook, they became friends, and Alexis sent the first message to stay connected. They didn't see each other until a year later, after worlds again in 2015. Officially A Couple Alexis & Danny saw each other 3 more times before the holiday season. They would talk on the phone once a day when Danny was commuting from Pleasanton to San Mateo, but they'd text all day to stay in touch. Long distance dating was not a problem for two very busy people. In December 2015, Danny asked Alexis if she would go steady with him, the answer was "yes."

Danny had friend requested me on social media and asked me to be his girlfriend. He made one more move in January 2016, where our families met for the first time after a tournament in San Jose. On our drive home he put it out there that we live with each other. That was one move, that really caught me by surprise. It was a considerable life changing move and I never looked back. I was a California born-Arkansas transplant-re transplant-transplant? Let's just say my heart has always been in Cali. We looked at apartments after the world championship weekend and found a great spot in Pleasanton. Our first official new home-to be for Danny and I....and my two beautiful bratty cats. Danny visited Arkansas prior to the move to meet my friends, parents, brothers, and our course, Stella and Lola. In August, it was my turn to make a move. I started an 8 day road trip from Arkansas to California with Stella and Lola. The open road, "girl power" themed music, and Stella's loud whining made the trip bittersweet. For a women who never thought she'd find a man, we were sure moving pretty far to be with one. The three of us stayed in Denver and Zion National Park to rest and check out nature stuff. After the worse part of the drive, from Utah to Pleasanton, seeing nothing but desert we were greeted with steaks, veggies, and kitty wet food upon our arrival in our new home. It feels like it was just yesterday and every morning I feel grateful to have such an incredible person in my life. The most important part of this move: Danny and Stella became inseparable companions (that's another love story).

Danny, here. Let's tell the tale of the proposal in a series of unique events. The Ring: I thought I was going to be slick and get out the door before Alexis could ask any questions. That did not happen. It was a Friday during summer break, so there was no need for me to put on a button up and do my hair. Alexis asked where I was going. I closed the door and ran to my car. I almost botched the operation before 8:00 AM. Classic. The Pre-Hike Sneakiness, Yosemite, August 30, 2019: The ring came in a rather large box, so hiding it was going to be a chore. I opted to jam the box in the right pocket of my hiking pants, but having one pocket bulging out looked ridiculous. I opted to carry my wallet, phone, and a bottle of water in the left pocket of my pants "even out" the visual. Alexis, carrying a backpack, asked if she could carry the contents in my pockets. I said "no, I don't feel like it". Quickly, Alexis' request turned into a demand. I held firm. She then became fussy and gave me the silent treatment for being difficult and unreasonable. Why would't I choose the logical and efficient way to carry all my stuff up a mountain in Yosemite? She had no idea. The Proposal: There was nothing to be nervous about, as I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Alexis. The only concerning part was the sheer amount of people walking the same trail. I wanted to propose in isolation to share an intimate moment. About half-way up the hike, the trails cleared, and I knew it was my time to ask the question. I reached into my right pocket and took out the ring. I asked "Alexis, I have a question for you" and dropped to a knee. Alexis looked concerned and alarmed. She thought I hurt myself on the hike! Once she figured out I was just fine, she realized what was happening - I was going to propose. We shared a kiss and an embrace and sat down on a log. We sat there for a few minutes soaking in the environment and the energy. Easiest decision of my life.