it's time to celebrate

The day: September 20, 2018 Truman had only been in DC for a couple of months, slowly making new friends. While at a reception, someone told him there was a girl he needed to meet, that she "collected" political buttons too. Meanwhile, another friend told Kathryn about a cute new guy working in the Alaska delegation. Both comments were made in passing and neither Kathryn or Truman thought much of them. Fast forward, they were both invited to the White House bowling alley for a night of fun. Before heading to the White House, Truman and some colleagues stopped by a reception (or two) as all twenty somethings do. Meanwhile, Kathryn had unknowingly arranged to share a ride with Truman's group over to the White House. They met up on the House side (Kathryn swears it was in Rayburn and Truman is steadfast they were in Longworth). Anyway, that is where they met and their interest in each other was nearly instant. They shared an Uber to the White House in, possibly, the smallest car to ever exist -- Kathryn was crammed in the middle seat trying to take up as little room as possible. At the bowling alley, which is known as the "Truman Lanes," little bowling was actually done by the two as they talked the entire night. Leaving the White House, everyone was figuring out their next move. If you know Kathryn and the Maid of Honor, Jen Jett, late night sushi from The Hamilton is always part of the plan, so Kathryn invited Truman along. From sushi, the two went for a walk on the Mall where Truman learned she had a previously planned date with someone the next night. He suggested she cancel it so they could grab dinner. Luckily for him she did!

November 2021 Kathryn and Truman, already well into their second long-distance stint, headed to Sonoma for Thanksgiving. As you may imagine, every trip to Sonoma entails wine tastings and this one wasn’t any different. To add to the fun, Kathryn's best friend since middle school and her husband came up from the East Bay to visit. The whole group, Mom and Dad, Kathryn and Truman, and Corey and Travis set out for GunBun (otherwise known as Gundlach Bundschu Winery) for a tasting and to catch up. GunBun is situated on a hill overlooking a pond and their vineyards, offering pretty pastoral views. After drinks concluded, Truman suggested – as he always does – we take photos. Kathryn mumbled under her breath that she did not care to walk up a gravel hill in heels, but gave into peer pressure and began the “trek.” Fussing with hair (it was breezy), with clothes (they needed smoothing), and positioning (best side after all), Kathryn settled, turning to Truman who was down on one knee. She was truly stunned. Not that getting married to Truman wasn’t something discussed on an almost daily basis, but he had truly surprised her. Kathryn struggled with words only managing to get the word "seriously" out. Often. With the attention of several picnic tables full of people who cheered and offered advice ... she said yes! Of course, she did.