It all started at Marengo in Cow Hollow. John and Helena both arrived with separate groups of friends where everyone knew each other except for J & H. There was a very instant connection. (To this day John thinks someone paid Helena to bring up skiing. Helena denies everything.) John was still working at Goldman and Helena was running her own business, so Helena was sleepy and John left early. But before he left, he asked sleepy Helena out who perked up to say “Yes!” They went on 6 dates in 8 days and the rest is history.

John planned to propose in late August 2023 but Helena’s body had other plans... Earlier that week Helena ended up in the hospital for 4 days with a “burst” appendix, while 12 people had travel plans to come and help celebrate and kick off the engagement Helena was clueless to. John wrestled changing itineraries, while also weathering many hospital emotions. A month later on the 21st night of September, John popped the question on the beach in Shaw’s Cove in Laguna with a hidden photographer. Helena said yes and John willingly took pictures. They ended the night at Pelican Hill and planned to go home the next day to celebrate with champagne and pizza on the couch. Family and friends were waiting at the house playing September by Earth, Wind & Fire for the biggest surprise of all! There’s more to this story but if you hang around these two enough, you’re bound to hear it a few times.