At long last, we're tying the knot!!!

It was the Spring of 2016 in sunny Gainesville, FL when a tall handsome guy on a dirtbike with the tagline "6'5" with a personality to match" appeared like a mirage in the crypts of online dating. His lines were smooth and wit was quick - enough to convince a blonde dental student to grab a beer at the local Brass Tap. A quick casual drink effortlessly became 4+ hours of good laughs and great conversation (fueled by mutual enjoyment of Peanut Butter beer). Turns out the Iowa tennis player gone engineering PhD student lived up to his Tinder tagline. After seven years of school in Gainesville for Alison, there was little expectation for many new adventures in this college town. In the most unexpected and extraordinary way, Daken completely transformed that mentality and filled Alison's last year in the Swamp with more unique activities and exciting dates than even The Bachelor offers. After the blissful first year together in Gainesville, Lieutenant Novakovic began her time as a Dental Corps Officer in the U.S. Navy. After "bootcamp" in Rhode Island, the dental journey began with working at Walter Reed in D.C. Soon came time to develop some sea legs aboard the U.S.S. Carl Vinson, an aircraft carrier stationed out of San Diego. Meanwhile, Daken began his big boy job working as an optical engineer for Lockheed Martin (building lasers and basically helping our country be awesome). Finally we both reunited in Seattle and discovered our love for curbside coffee huts and fresh mountain air. After five years of Active Duty, Alison was ready for a change of pace from the everyday drilling & filling on salty Sailors and decided to go back to residency to specialize in Orthodontics in Philadelphia. Daken masterfully maneuvered his way cross-country to join Alison and once again brought a city to life. The underrated yet stellar food scene and off-the-charts sports energy (Go Birds!) truly makes the City of Brotherly Love a special place. The ebbs & flows of two professional careers and military moves around to each corner of the country tried to pull these star-crossed lovers apart, but the master plan had a beautiful ending in store. On a cold Thanksgiving weekend surrounded by family, Daken finally popped the question down by the famous Benjamin Franklin bridge along the Delaware River. After nearly nine years of globetrotting and love-filled adventures, the promotion to Fiance feels really good! We are beyond excited about this next chapter of life and CANNOT WAIT TO CELEBRATE WITH ALL OF OUR FAVORITE PEOPLE! We look forward to cheersing you all in the Sunshine State in October!!