We're getting married!

In 2012, Dan was trying to figure out his next step in life. On a visit to Bowling Green State University, he first saw Ann as she was angrily trying to address an issue in the program office. Ann first noticed Dan because he was obnoxiously over-prepared for the class he was visiting. They started talking that night, and they haven't stopped since - seven years, two cities, and a bunch of challenges later.

In November of 2018, San Francisco and surrounding areas where inundated with heavy smoke from fires burning in other areas of the state. The air was so smoky that people were wearing masks when outdoors. We decided to venture south for the weekend to Davenport, CA, a small town on the coast just far enough away from the smoke to have breathable air. We had talked about the prospect of getting married in casual conversations for quite some time but neither of us had yet decided to seriously ask the question. Just thinking about the dire situation many of our fellow Californians were in just then made us both feel closer to one another, and thankful for having such a supportive partner and being safe in a critical moment for so many. We tried to make the most of our very short trip stopping by to taste jam from a local berry farm, and walking along the coast in quiet contemplation. On our last morning in Davenport, Dan wanted to look at the ocean before leaving town. While standing on a cliff taking in the last clean air we'd likely breathe for awhile, he decided now was the time. He whispered in her ear, "marry me," and she said, "yes...of course."