It's not a secret...We're getting married in Iceland!

Carter and Cat matched on Hinge. Cat’s best friend, Kim (Matron of Honor) took a gander at Carter's profile and promptly informed her of her dire need to connect with him and go on a date ASAP. Cat being the pragmatist said, "Are you sure? Do you think we will be compatible?" Convinced of Kimi’s thoughtfulness and diligence, Cat messaged Carter Jackson Simmons back and they scheduled their first date. At a local dive bar in Silver Spring, they met IRL (in real life) for the first time imbibing on Old Fashioneds and Coca Cola but it was the good conversation that kept the first date going. Cat learned that Carter was genuine and open but still making a good impression as “interview Carter” the unsuspecting future husband to be was delighted that Cat looked like her picture; a vision in a cute denim dress. For the record, Carter wore a pink shirt (he still insists that it is red)…it isn't. Suffice it to say that sparks flew (they could be seen from those drone satellites everyone is talking about) and both knew that they were all-in and not just in on the finest dive bar cuisine: Tater Tots, Grilled Cheese, Wings, and Whiskey. Neither of them wanting the night to end they strolled the streets lit by streetlights and the moon continuing to get to know one another. Cat being the forever drama major, gave Carter her best Incredible Hulk impersonation (For the record she still cannot pick Carter up, despite the continued weightlifting). As it happens when the stars align, a delightfully intoxicated woman approached the newly introduced and soon-to-be couple and informed them of their compatibility. Telling them that they “made a beautiful couple and that she wanted a keepsake photo of them in one of the keychains that you get at the beach." (They still need that souvenir; and to find the stranger so that they can fulfill her dreams) Continued...

...But, we digress. The rest is history, or should we say our next steps. The families met and Cat joined Carter's family and celebrated the 4th of July with them on their annual beach trip; falling more in love with Carter while enjoying sunsets and making memories to cherish forever. Alas, then a pandemic hit and they hunkered down to see if the great experiment of love could work. Of course, they realized that they wanted to be in each other's forever bubble. As Cat set lavish meals for her squirrels and took Bear for multiple walks; Carter adapted to an online social life, which wasn’t so hard, and supported and hung out with his two girls. The pod, happy as clams (which Carter still doesn’t like)… were the happiest turtles at the turtle convention content with their newfound rhythm. AND so, on Christmas Eve 2020, Carter proposed; with many blessings and looking to Cat to join him in her new role as fiancé and future wife they stepped into the new year side by side contemplating their future. Post pandemic (almost) and soon-to-be newlyweds you will continue to find them educated on the latest topics, working hard, and achieving grand champion status at Olympic couch cuddling while watching (critiquing) the latest movies and celebrating friendships in person and digitally. They are connected even more than ever before to their clan and will continue to level up; after all, they have priority on the stack. Cat and Carter look forward to including you as they continue to win this amazing game of life.