Although our paths crossed prior to 2016, we didn't officially meet until Bryan came to the Preserve Golf Club for a job interview, where I (Caroline) was working. Cheers to Art Kerrick of Poppy Hills Golf Course, our mutual friend and former boss, for initiating this interview so that we could finally meet.

Bryan and I worked together at The Preserve Golf Club and conversed daily. Not sure if Bryan was just intrigued by my quick banter or just that my office had A/C and was out of the heat. After Bryan helped me write a maid of honor speech for my best friend's wedding in April 2016, I confided in my friend Kate that I had a work crush. I was thinking "why else would someone help edit a wedding speech unless they were interested in me?" In early June, Bryan and I went on a few hikes together. On one I rolled my ankle and had to pretend I wasn't in terrible pain. Soon after, we went to a Giants game with our shared friends Kate and Jesse. Leaving the baseball game, Bryan decided to run and jump on my back thinking I would be able to carry him. Bryan did not anticipate that my legs would give out and I'd fall facedown on the sidewalk. Being quick, Bryan was able to save his face from the concrete and bounce forward. It was at this point where I had to make a tough decision, could I, a lifelong Angels fan, still pursue a Giants fan who is also recklessly energetic?

Our first date began early in the morning when we met at The Preserve's lake to go hiking with my dog Miley. After a beautiful hike and a fun time playing at the lake, we ventured back to town to continue our day together. Bryan came over to my family's home in Monterey to play cards. There he met my parents and my mother had him eat leftovers, whether he was hungry or not. We continued our day by grabbing a beer at Post No Bills and finished they day watching the waves at the beach. We spent the entire day getting to know each other and thus began our journey together.

From our first date to our engagement, we were able to travel, grow and spend precious time together. In July 2016, Bryan and I were in the kitchen at my parents house eating some snacks when he asked me to be his girlfriend. I replied by saying, "I thought I already was?" In June of 2017, we added Kenji, our little dog, giving Miley a best friend to keep her company. We took the plunge and decided to live together after a year of dating, which thankfully revealed we were compatible with one another. Many Thanksgivings were spent at Bandon Dunes with my family on their annual golf trip. We enjoyed going to baseball games for both our teams, trips to Disneyland and buying our first home together in 2019. Our free time then turned into house projects and thankfully those are all done (for now) so we can enjoy our home for many years to come.

While my grandma was visiting this last Thanksgiving, I scheduled a photoshoot with my whole family to capture our time together. Bryan and I were taking a photo with our dogs for our annual Christmas card when Bryan stayed kneeling down, brought out a ring, and popped the question. I responded with tears of joy but also tears of relief from waiting so long for him to ask. It was special to have my family present to share that moment.

In our future, we are looking forward to starting a family and cherishing the time we have together and with our loved ones. We are so thankful to have so many wonderful friends and family support us in our adventure together.