Chris’ good friend Brian Roemke, who will be attending the ceremony and reception, was in Fort Myers for a visit. Chris and Brian spent most of the day at the beach, specifically Dawn’s favorite, Bunche Beach. Although they didn’t meet there, the 3 were at that very beach at the same time that day! How did they come to realize that? Because Chris and Brian decided the best thing to do after a day of drinking beer at the beach would be to stop at Chris’ favorite Fort Myers brewery, Point Ybel Brewing Co. When they arrived, it was busy with only a couple seats at the bar. They took them, of course, Brian sitting next to a young woman and Chris sitting next to…Well, whomever. True to form, Brian started a conversation with the woman. Also true to form, Chris rolled his eyes. “We’re supposed to be popping in for a beer or 3, then heading home” was the thought. Well, that young woman turned out to be a regular at Point Ybel, and so was Chris, a favorite they already had in common. Eventually, Chris joined the conversation and learned a little bit about the woman Brian was chatting up - Her name was Dawn. Nothing materialized at that point, aside from the fact that Chris knew Dawn’s favorite beach, favorite brewery and her Friday nights tending bar at O’Leary’s Bar & Grill. Naturally, she invited them to drop by some time but Chris assumed she was just interested in some extra tips. Fast forward a month or two, complete with several nudges by Brian to “go see that girl at the Irish bar”, Chris finally stopped by O’Learys…And abruptly left. It turns out it was peak season and a very popular spot for locals. Chris stopped by a couple more times, but was met with the same issue. Luckily he bumped into Dawn at Point Ybel and, after quite a bit of fun conversation, a few jokes and the birth of an endearing term turned nickname, Dawn gave Chris her number so she could “save him a seat” at O'Leary's. He took her up on it and stopped by one Friday not long after their chance encounter. Chris ordered some food and a drink…And Dawn’s shift ended just minutes later. Because she's so thoughtful and kind, Dawn asked Chris if he wanted to have a drink with her at a nearby restaurant. He had taken the time to come to O’Leary’s to see her after all! Of course he accepted the invitation and they met at what is now one of their favorite spots, Lynq. Like many first dates, they talked while trying to navigate their thoughts about one another. As the evening wore on, the typical awkwardness left the room and the jokes began to replace it. After an hour or two, Chris walked Dawn to her car, Chris telling ridiculous jokes all the way. Those jokes culminated with Chris impersonating the "song" his beloved rice maker makes when the rice is done which convinced Dawn that Chris deserved another date. To this day that song is often impersonated around their house. Fast forward through trips to Tampa, Dunedin, Miami, Detroit, Indianapolis, Tomahawk and other cities, through trips to Bunche Beach, Tarpon Bay and Weeki Wachee to paddle board, through trips to countless breweries to drink a beer or 4, and you land at December 18, 2025 when Chris proposed to Dawn by presenting a ring to her in...You guessed it...A brand new Zojirushi rice maker.