It was 2021, and Katie had just moved back to Portland to finish out her MFA at Portland State University. After a month, she thought she might want to stay long term, so she decided to download Hinge and start dating in her potential new hometown. Bret, a long-time Portland resident, had been in the trenches of online dating for months by this time, and had just about sworn off the entire endeavor when he and Katie fortuitously matched on a fateful Sunday afternoon. Right away, they connected over their love of Jenny Lewis, sobriety, and tattoos - even discovering that they somehow had matching tattoos - what were the odds?! They spent the next week talking on the phone late into the night in anticipation of their first in-person date. They met that Saturday at Oblique Coffee (both in masks) and then walked in Laurelhust Park. A walk turned into lunch turned into more walking turned into a long sit on a park bench which ended in their first kiss. Shortly after, Katie decided to stay in Portland, and they have been together ever since, riding the highs and lows of life by each others' side. From purchasing their first home, to grooming shih tzus (and sometimes an angry tabby cat); from holidays and trips with family, to new jobs; from school, to just a good ol' board game, they love being together. Bret proposed in June 2024 at home one night over a rigged game of Scrabble, and the rest is history. We can't wait to celebrate our marriage with you all!