From Kell: Brian had the lucky job of training new hires at Pacmed and I was one of those new hires. On one of our training days he felt compelled to poke every trainee with his toy light saber (to drive a point home), and I was the only one that didn't complain to HR about it. Every Friday that followed Brian asked me out for drinks after work, and I politely declined every time. On Valentines day, all the women in the office had flowers from their significant others. Brian, ever observant, noticed I did not. So he went and stole a single rose from his boss's bouquet to give to me. After I knew he was willing to commit petty theft on my behalf, I figured the least I could do was let this man buy me a drink or two. So on a Friday sometime in March we went to Artifex (the local brewery) and he woo'ed me with his wit and humor. After that date Artifex became our little oasis, and we declared domain of the little corner of that brewery as our own for a few hours every Friday. This is quite literally where I fell in love with Brian, conversations at the bar spilled over into hours of talking on his boat. I knew he loved me when he agreed to an impromptu camping trip in the Eastern Sierra's with the dog and I. I knew he was deep, deep in love with me when, on that same camping trip I cursed him out for taking too long to make our coffee and spitefully called him "artisanal" Brian has his own side of the story (obviously) but this one is more romantic.

From Brian: Never in my life have I been so scared. I knew she was going to say 'yes'. She helped pick out the damn ring! However, getting the moment, the setting, the Right Setting... was crucial. And terrifying. I had the ring, ordered it online and sent to my folks' house. I rented a cottage in Big Bear, quiet and romantic. I ordered a cake. Red velvet. Her favorite. I had lots of ideas...even thought about putting the ring ON the cake. Opening it rather than the ring box etc.. Well, best laid plans of mice and men etc etc.. As soon as we arrived in Big Bear she could tell something was up. As you all know, I cant lie for shit and have absolutely no poker face. I was so consumed with trying to pull it off right that I wasn't "present" for anything else... Finally, the moment arrived when I thought I could subtly slip out and grab the cake and ring that I had been hiding in the car the whole time (I may not have mentioned that lol). It was just after dusk. We had a fire going in the cabin, a vinyl record of Neil Young "Harvest" playing, and her favorite Pinot Noir in our glasses. It's go time, Drummy. I slipped out to the car. Grabbed the cake. Pocketed the ring. And headed back in. Her face of course lit up when she saw the cake box. But then, I dropped to me knee...pulled out the ring and, before I could even say a word she erupted into tears of joy knowing full well my intention. I should also say that Levi was with us on this trip. And, on seeing his mom in tears, immediately sprang to her "rescue". Right over me and into her face. Somehow, in the midst of all that, she managed to say "yes" and made me the happiest man alive.

Ahh yes, now its time to talk about the single most influential moment in our collective lives over the past year. The Coronavirus, the “quarterbean” as we called it after going slightly insane quarantining in our apartment those first three months. Needless to say this global event has changed many things and the most important thing Brian and I have learned is to be grateful for our health, our family, and the moments that we get to share together. So, after many postponed and rethought wedding plans we had this insane idea to turn a camping trip in Yosemite into an intimate wedding “elopement”. To be honest with you, after seeing how expensive wedding venues in Orange County were ($7000 just for the location rental) I realized that the only venue worth spending that much money to get married at would actually be the beautiful backdrop of Yosemite National Park (which definitely did not cost $7000). So we swapped the traditional wedding for something a little less formal! Although we wont be able to invite all our family and friends to this intimate gathering, we hope to plan a larger celebration as Covid19 cases continue to dwindle. So hold tight!