My friend Jen and I went to Elysian Brewing before a Seattle Sounders game. There was nowhere to sit, so we asked to grab two open seats at a large community table (later learning that it was Neil's dad Fraser who offered to let us take the two open seats). Soon after, a cute guy (without a ring on!) sat across from us. We learned from Fraser that his son Neil was single, and this was a table full of Sounders season ticket holders who all sat in the same section. Jen and I made plans to meet up with them (not having actually talked to Neil yet, but definitely exchanging glances) at halftime. At halftime, we found Neil and Fraser and marched right over to them, interrupting a very intense last few minutes of the playoff game (that the Sounders won, by the way). After a few high-fives, I asked Neil for his number, we went out a few days later, and again a few days after that, and the rest is history.

While I had planned to propose on our 3 year anniversary, I had the ring burning a hole in my pocket. So I thought our friend's small wedding on Camano island might be an ideal alternative. The wedding consisted of a group of some of our closest friends. So I brought the engagement ring with me "just in case". It was a beautiful ceremony on a typically sunny but chilly day in the Puget Sound with the Olympic mountain range in the distance. When we walked down to the beach for photos. I thought this would be a perfect chance. I dawdled behind as the group headed back up to the hotel. But Jenny was a little too chilly and she led the group back up. Hmm... As the group got ready to move to the reception at a nearby cabin I realized that if I didn't ask at that point I would have to wait till our anniversary. But I was determined. I asked the brides if I could have ten minutes before we left and they were curious but agreeable. I pulled Jenny aside and suggested we enjoy the view one more time and she was curious but agreeable. As we walked outside her best friend proclaimed that "Neil is acting weird." I winked at her. We walked outside and I told her I love her and got down on one knee. She was nodding and started to cry a little. I asked her to marry me and she said yes, Pulling me to my feet, embracing and kissing me. Behind us our friends all started screaming and clapping. Apparently the wedding photographer exclaimed "What's happening? Damnit! I've got a camera!" She rushed outside and started getting some photos of us. It was perfect. - Neil