On December 27, 2018, a day after Carly's 29th birthday, they found themselves at The Whiskey Infirmary in Vancouver, WA. What was meant to be a Tinder date with another guy for one of them, and a boys night out for the other turned into ditching both and the beginning of their extraordinary journey together. As soon as they walked in, they noticed each other. Duane was captivated right away, later admitting that Carly checked all his boxes from the first moment. She couldn’t resist pointing out his perfect dimples, declaring them to be the most perfect in the world. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and it quickly became clear that fate had something special in store for them. From that first date, they embarked on countless adventures together. They sang their hearts out at karaoke, showed off their competitive side at Top Golf, and laughed at every twist and turn along the way. Duane excelled in every activity, while Carly perfected the art of playful trash talk. Over the past five years, they faced many challenges and celebrated countless joys, growing stronger with every experience. Their love has blossomed through both the highs and lows, united by their shared passions for exploring new places, trying new foods, and enjoying a mutual sense of humor. When it came time for the proposal, things didn’t go exactly as planned. He had envisioned a romantic getaway to Crater Lake, a place she had always wanted to visit. However, plans were thwarted by a snowed-out road, preventing them from reaching their destination. In a moment of spontaneous decision-making, he handed her a box with the ring she had chosen six months earlier. It wasn’t the grand gesture he had imagined, but it was perfect in its own way. When Carly first laid eyes on her engagement ring, she immediately knew it was meant for her. Its elegant design and the way it sparkles from every angle made her feel like a princess, while also being completely unique and perfectly suited to her style and personality. Their love story is one of serendipity, a tale of two people who had been orbiting each other’s lives for years—frequenting the same places, knowing the same people, even working at the same company—yet never crossing paths until the universe decided the time was right. Carly is a hopeless romantic, always dreaming of fairytales, while Duane grounds her with his own special brand of love. Though their approaches to life may differ, a shared intellect, humor, and passion for learning together create a bond that is uniquely their own. "As we prepare to embark on this next chapter together, we’re filled with gratitude for the serendipitous moments that led us here and excitement for the adventures that lie ahead. Here’s to our love, our laughter, and the beautiful journey we are about to continue together." -Duane & Carly