On a cold January day in 2022, Caitlin had recently moved into her newly purchased home in South East Portland with her labradoodle puppy Ralph. Daniel was living on the South West side and was in the market to start searching for a new spot. The stars aligned and […even though Caitlin was just about to give up on the dating scene and Daniel was fresh to it], they matched on Bumble! And the rest was history. When Ralph instantly approved of Daniel on the first date, Caitlin knew he was a keeper. There is some debate on who initiated that first kiss but we both agree it was perfect. Through a combined love for traveling, hiking adventures, and of course, football (soccer), we became each other's go-to person. From hiking Mount Hood to show Ralph his first snow, to Daniel shifting his career to join Caitlin on a cross-country road trip to Michigan and Central America adventure during her 4 months of severance, to supporting one another during very unprecedented and difficult times, we feel so lucky to have found each other. In our 2.5 years of dating, we've traveled to 18 US States, 15 Countries, and 9 National Parks and made countless memories, many alongside our wonderful family and friends (that's you!). Ask us what we love about each other, and you'll get the real deal. Caitlin will tell you that Daniel has this uncanny calmness about him, making every day feel simultaneously comforting and exciting. Daniel, on the other hand, will share that he love's Caitlin's organized nature and that she has a huge heart, always providing support to him and those around her. Together, we've discovered that the best adventures are the ones we create with each other and we feel so grateful for our partnership. Join us this summer as we say "I do" and kick off the next phase of our life together. We're SO excited to share this day with those who've been a part of our journey!
We both swiped right on Bumble and the rest is history! First date at the Spaceroom Bar in Portland, Oregon followed by Thai dinner and Dan meets Ralph for the first time.
Road trip accross the US (Oregon->Michigan) National park pit-stops, Dan sees the Great Lakes for the first time, and celebrated Nick's (Caitlin's brother) 30th birthday. Family approved :)
We both have a serious passion for traveling and were fortunate enough to take advantage of some time off work to explore El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico together!
Caitlin's younger brother and best friend, Nick passed away unexpectadly at the age of 30 (just 4 months after meeting Dan for the first time). Caitlin is so grateful they had the opportunity to meet. Dan was and continues to be Caitlin's rock.
With some preliminary adventures enjoying the holiday markets in Germany, Czechia, and Austria we went on to England to celebrate the christmas holidays with Dan's family. Caitlin's first Yorkshire Pudding!
Although Daniel's #1 team will always be New Castle, Caitlin and Daniel have become quick fans of the Wrexham Football Team after falling in love with the new hit series. Wrexham traveled to the US to play some friendly matches and Caitlin and Dan jumped on the opportunity, purchasing tickets to watch them play vs. Manchester United in San Diego and of course, incorporating a road trip (Portland-> San Diego) adventure along the way. Ralph got to come too!
Daniel was born on November 23, 1988 and in 2023 this also fell on Thanksgiving! Celebrated in the Algarve's of Portugal with a surprise visit from Dan's Mom and Brothers.
Caitlin had suggested that they do a spontaneuos/new hike with Ralph on this Saturday morning so although (retrospectively) there were a few signs that something special might be happening, she was clueluess. Daniel gave himself a new haricut and trim, packed a little backpack and off we went to the Kalama Falls Trail near Mount Saint Helens in Washington. Ralph was being particularly rambunctious as we approached the falls and as Caitlin turned to express her concern to Daniel, she was shocked with a very nervous expression on his face (she thought maybe Ralph had jumped!) but then he got down on one knee... Caitlin was so overwhelmed with excitement that she may have forgotten to say yes. Meanwhile, Ralph chewed through his leash (he was excited too) and Daniel was worried he might drop the ring down the waterfall! No dogs or rings were lost to the falls. It was the most magical, wonderful day with champagne celebrations and excited calls with family and friends.
When Daniel's Mum expressed that she wanted to celebrate her big 60th birthday with us, Daniel was quick to coordinate a trip accross that pond that also happened to align with the Euro's Football Tournemant. Starting off with some highland cows in Scotland and then down to England via Train for a few nights at the Ferry House (confirmed the food is DELICIOUS) and then down to Cornwall where we had the most lovely time visiting family and friends. Next stop, Canary Islands for the belated birthday celebrations, pool side ciders, tapas, and more unforgettable family time. Cologne, Germany was next where Caitlin and Daniel got to attend the England vs. Slovenia match (IT'S COMING HOME). We celebrated our "one year till I do" with a quick stop in Brussels followed by a few nights soaking up the romance of Paris.