Damien was on his way home to North Vancouver after an evening of drinks, merriment and football with buddy Ben at a bar downtown. Arriving early for the seabus, Damien took a load off while he waited on the terminal bench. A few minutes later, Catriona wandered down to the seabus after saying goodbye to a less-than-stellar Bumble date. The seabus was crowded, but her feet were sore and she spotted a gap on the bench out of the corner of her eye. She beelined for the spot, but as she sat down, she noted the slightly worse-for-wear fellow semi-incapacitated beside her. She panicked, but it was too late, she had already committed to the seat. She took a micro-shift to her left, just registering the redheaded gentleman on her other side. Damien, a little tipsy from his good time with Ben, had noticed a foxy brunette wander towards him. Detecting her discomfort, he leaned forward and boldly joked "Ah, come on, we've all been there, haven't we?" Catriona giggled and replied "I think you should speak for yourself.” They both chuckled and began to chat. She was instantly charmed by his Australian accent and friendly smile. They boarded the seabus together. As the sea bus approached the north shore, Damien, still a wee bit tipsy, wasn't sure which bus would take him home. He followed Catriona to her bus and hopped on. After a few stops, it became apparent that he was getting further and further from his own home… Catriona was surprised they seemed to live so close to one another and hoped he would ask for her number before getting off the bus – which luckily he did! (For weeks, she would think they lived only blocks apart) Once home, she got her first text from him “Just checking to see if you gave me your real #.” Her text to him, “How do you feel about going out with an older woman?” From there, it’s history.

Nearing the end of an incredible 3-week journey around BC, the Yukon and Alberta Damien took Catriona to Emerald lake in Yoho national park. Upon arrival, he proceeded to nervously walk a good 10m in front of Catriona on their "hike" trying to get some private space for them on the trail. Upon arrival at a beautiful spot between some trees on the edge of the lake overlooking the mountains and glaciers, the wildfire smoke that had been plaguing the last few days of their trip miraculously lifted! Taking his cue, Damien got down on one knee and asked Catriona to continue their adventures together, as husband and wife. Thankfully, she said yes!