We can't wait to celebrate with you!

It was May of 2018. With Jess working for Enterprise in Hawaii and Dan recently relocated by the Navy for submarine shore duty, the stars were aligning. Thanks to the romantic dating technology, Bumble, Jess made the first move and swiped right. Dan quickly invited Jess to join him for Sunday trivia at a local brewery. Jess showed up to the restaurant only to find it closed. She started to question, but he quickly responded, realizing he told her the wrong place. He affirmed she could still make it in time for round two. She was able to spot him at the bar wearing his brightest pineapple shirt. The rest is quick history.... full of hikes, Sunday BBQ's, and a healthy dose of Hawaiian island hopping.

As Jess prepared to leave the island for a promotion and Dan shortly after for Department Head school with the Navy, they soaked up every last drop of Hawaiian sunshine and adventure that they could. Jess had a busy last week booked for them, with hikes, kayaking, and Big Island adventures. Dan knew if he was going to fit this in, he better get it on her calendar. He told her he had commissioned a painter to paint the Oahu ocean and mountain-scape, where they would show up for a 30-60 minute session and be painted into the artwork. This would be a fun memento to take with, a memory of finding love in Hawaii. After a sunrise hike up Koko Head, they went home to clean up for this painting. They showed up at the Makapu'u Lookout parking lot where the artist was set up, working on a different commission of the Waimanalo Bay background. He quickly switched canvases and told them to stand about 20 feet in front of him, where Jess and Dan held hands for a couple minutes. The artist said he wanted to snap a couple pictures in case there were minor details for him to add later. He then called them over to check out the progress. Upon glimpse of easel, Jess could see Dan was already painted into the artwork, kneeling down on one knee. He gracefully spun her around, as he got down on one knee in real life. Only then did his nerves start to show, as he popped the question. She of course said YES! The artist then snapped a couple more photos recreating the moment (unbeknown to Jess, Dan had brought his nice camera for this purpose). Dan was VERY relieved to have it over with, despite staying cool, calm and collected all morning. They ate lunch at their favorite Kailua restaurant, Maui Mikes and headed out on another Hawaii adventure, kayaking to the Mokulua Islands to celebrate!