we're getting married!

Before knowing each other, Elaine and Brandon both moved to NorCal in fall 2020. Brandon received his first Geologist job offer out of college and Elaine started her Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Neither of them had intentions of dating anyone as they both had the desire to move out of California within the next 2 years. However, curiosity got the best of them and they found themselves exploring online dating. Elaine came across Brandon's profile and immediately saw potential. Despite the obvious physical attraction, they both had common interests and values. Within 2 weeks of chatting, Brandon asked her on a date to see Christmas Lights at Six Flags. The date was going amazing, until it was time for dinner. Unfortunately, Brandon's plan of impressing Elaine with a nice sit-down restaurant came to a sudden halt as he quickly realized that the only dining option was fast food due to the Covid shutdown. After being denied by over a dozen restaurants, he improvised by suggesting In-N-Out and wine coolers. Although an 11pm dinner was almost a deal-breaker for Elaine, she was smitten with Brandon and decided to give him a chance. Everything that night came together on a whim, but it felt easy and natural - like it was supposed to happen that way. Brandon was eager to see Elaine for a second date. Unfortunately, Elaine broke the news she was leaving NorCal to go home for Christmas break that very next morning and would not be returning for another 4+ weeks... Brandon patiently waited for the 2nd date as he knew she was something special. The 2nd date led to many more dates and they soon fell in love. Their dates consisted of homemade sushi nights, exploring wineries in Lodi, catching live music at local breweries, church dates and Bible study, and getting overly competitive at board games! Their relationship was tested as they navigated long-distance while Elaine completed 6+ months of out-of-state internships. However, between nightly FaceTime sessions, watching movies together on Zoom, and Brandon's commitment to visit Elaine, their relationship grew even stronger. Eventually, Elaine finished her doctorate program and moved in with Brandon. It would not be long before they found themselves selling nearly everything they owned and packing up for a cross-country road trip to start a new life in Florida together. Their 3 years in Florida consisted of adapting to hurricanes, alligators, extreme humidity, and bugs. However, this was also accompanied with amazing beaches, warm waters, tiki bars, cozy thunderstorms, weekly rocket launches, and trips to Disney World. Shortly after 4 years of dating, Brandon surprised Elaine with a beautiful proposal on a Florida beach just as the sun was rising. They are now onto their next adventure and have officially moved to Georgia with their 2 cats and 1 dog. They are very excited for this next chapter of their lives as they approach the day they become husband and wife!