We went to high school together, but weren't high school sweethearts. The best things in life have been unexpected; Izzi is no exception. 2013 marked her graduation from UCSD and my two year break from HSU. We saw each other whenever Izzi came back to Napa. The thing is we never talked about dating. We were attracted to the other's care free nature and search for fun. That summer we were born of airplanes, San Diego beaches and sleepy yellow terminal signs. We had to experience love and loss spinning around like propellers; spinning around as we explored the world in our 20's. Almost seven years later and she still inspires me to pick up a pen, a camera and to explore beautiful places in life. We can't wait celebrate with everyone important in both our lives.

One day after work I told Izzi to meet me at the Arcata Marsh. She loves this place because of all the birds, flowers and wildlife. The marsh also has some of the best sunsets against Humboldt Bay. I was hoping my timing would be right. We walked with our dog Pepper down a path to the edge of the marsh. I had such a childlike nervousness knelt down on one knee, panicked, and started to pet Pepper. Two women began walking down the path & one exclaimed real loud, "OMG is he proposing to her?!" I was pissed I thought this random chick blew my cover. I don't think Izzi even noticed. I pulled the ring out and asked her to marry me. Izzi told me that week she saw the bag the ring came in...Rookie Move. When I first knelt down to pet Pepper she thought, "If this motherfucker doesn't propose to me..." Good thing I did.