Since the world is falling apart around us, we won't be able to host everyone that we originally hoped on our special day. However, at least we have technology! Brett & Chelsea have decided to host a live stream viewing of the wedding ceremony on our special day. If you would like to celebrate with us in spirit from afar, please reach out to the Bride or Groom and we will send you the invite as we get a little closer to the big day!

I was planning to leave for New Zealand for 6 months just two weeks after our first date. In fact, we were only able to see each other twice before I had to leave. Packing my suitcases knowing I was soon to be 8023 miles (exactly) away was a somber task. I questioned whether or not she would keep in touch... or ever return my circular saw and impact driver that I let her borrow after our first date. I sat in the airport prior to boarding, palms sweaty, questioning whether or not she would have any interest in hearing from me knowing that I was leaving in just an hour. I called her and to my surprise, she picked up. I had no idea what to say and proceeded to ramble about the humorous things I observed while people-watching in the jungle of LAX. I told her I would call her when I landed and, needless to say, did not get a single hour of sleep on my 14-hour flight. When I landed, I called her immediately. Even before calling family, friends, work, or anyone else for that matter. For the first couple of weeks, she was all I could think about. We talked for hours before she went to bed every night about everything under the sun. I wondered how I could go 6 mos. without seeing her. So I decided to invite her to NZ. I surprised her after work with flowers and a note asking her to fly out. I feared that she would think I was nuts. After a couple weeks assuring her that I was serious and not THAT crazy, she said yes! We planned a trip for January and began counting down the days. After only a few weeks, we were growing impatient. I knew I couldn't wait that long to see her. So, I booked another trip to spend Christmas and New Year's with her and the family. They all welcomed me with open arms. Everything felt right. I quickly learned that I loved her family almost as much as I did her. I realized that I couldn't imagine myself being with anyone else and asked for her parents' consent in marrying her.

So by now you probably already know, Brett whisked me away to NZ after barely even knowing me. What a move, amiright?! We adventured all across the northern island with unbelievably romantic moments at every turn. While at our 3rd glamping site of the week, we packed for an afternoon on the river and made our way to the canoe to paddle our way to the ocean. Upon arriving, after what felt like hours of paddling, we found ourselves at low tied trudging across miles of sand. We collected shells, splashed in the water, and caught baby flounder darting up and down the little streams. As the tide began to rise, we made our way to a cluster of gigantic volcanic rocks and found amidst them tide pools full of starfish, crabs, and other sea life. We knew it was getting late, so we began making our way back to the canoe to paddle home. As we began our mission, we waded through waters with Sting Ray and Brett decided he must catch one. We hopped into the canoe and he began casting. Finally, a ray took the lure! It pulled our canoe up and down the river trying desperately to shake us off. Eventually, the stingray won and we began a slow paddle back to the campsite. As dusk fell into nightfall we noticed fish jumping all around the canoe. As we looked closer, and our eyes began adjusting to the new lack of light, we found that the fish were GLOWING! The farther we paddled the more fish we saw and the fish, the water, everything was glowing! We couldn’t believe our eyes. I decided Sebastian the crab was somewhere on the banks singing “Kiss the girl” for sure. We finally made it back to camp. Sore, sunburnt, and STARVING after a long day. I met Brett in the kitchen to help get dinner underway and he grabbed my hand and ran me back to the porch of the safari tent. candles were lit all around us and right there he fell down to his knee. He placed a ring made of fishing line on my finger and made me the happiest girl in the world.