After an exciting day white water rafting in Ohiopyle, PA, Alanna returned to her accommodations very bruised, but with a big smile on her face. She did not think her day could get any better: an epic day on the water, sushi in hand for dinner, and great friends surrounding her as everyone prepared to celebrate the wedding of Lystina and Cody Bliss. But as she entered the common area of the wedding site, she locked eyes with a tall, bearded, lumberjack, wine “connoisseur.” This plaid-shirt-wearing man was comedically trying to fix a recliner while holding a glass of red wine, so he could enjoy his drink in repose. Much to his dismay, the recliner refused to cooperate, and so Ian turned his attention to Alanna as she hungrily consumed her avocado sushi dinner. After introductions and the discovery that both enjoyed the libation of crushed and aged grapes, Ian generously offered to provide Alanna with a glass of Chardonnay. (As most of you know, Alanna and her mom regularly enjoy a good glass of Chard, so Alanna was thrilled about Ian’s offer.) Soon, with a red wine in hand, Ian returned. To her great confusion, Alanna pondered the possibility of the existence of a red Chardonnay, but graciously accepted the wine nonetheless (wine is wine, after all). After a good laugh about the Chardonnay/Cabernet Sauvignon mix-up, the two continued to enjoy each other’s company throughout the weekend, Ian showed off his impressive dance moves, and they partook in many laughs with Cards Against Humanity and intense ping-pong matches. Their love aged like a fine, red, Chardonnay, despite years of a long-distance relationship. Now, after meeting at a wedding, Alanna and Ian are so excited to be celebrating their own wedding with all of you in 2022!

For those of you who don't know the story, Ian proposed to Alanna surrounded by family and next to a dead sea lion at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in California. The situation was apt, as Alanna loves marine animals (preferably alive, but she isn't picky) and the ocean.