A mutual friend (thank you Samantha!) was raving about this guy I needed to meet and offered to throw a BBQ to make our “blind set-up” a bit less awkward. Samantha had told me all about her BF (now husband) Lance’s best friend Dustin. She sold me with the facts that he loved hiking, surfing, grew up in OC yet lived in SD and that he was a really great guy. He sounded so great, I didn’t even think to ask for a photo or social media info to do my own research before we met. When I arrived to the BBQ and was introduced to everyone, I made sure to mental note who Dustin was. We said hi on the way to the BBQ and chit-chatted by the guacamole but for the most part hadn’t had the chance to have a real conversation yet. After grabbing food and not seeing where Dustin was, I decided to strategically sit with an open space next to me, hoping he would take the open seat. Sure enough, he got the hint and took the seat next to me! We ended up being the last ones at the BBQ. I went to the bathroom while I assume he, Lance and Samantha checked in on our meeting. Soon after, he had to get going so we walked down to our cars together. He asked for my number, took me to one of my favorite restaurants for our first date and the rest is history! Since then we have traveled to incredible locations together, made lifelong friends along the way and have been lucky enough to create a sweet life for ourselves by the Beach. Now it’s time to get married in one of our favorite spots with some of our favorite people!

A mutual friend (Samantha Friesz) that apparently fancies herself a matchmaker set Kelly and I up via a blind meet up. Samantha had told Kelly her boyfriend Lance (now husband) had a friend she should meet. Samantha planned a housewarming party/BBQ. She promised it would be less awkward because other people would be there. I’d wish I could say “and the rest is history”, but there’s some more fun to this story. Initial intros were made as people arrived to Samantha’s place. Apparently, I met Kelly early on, but didn’t realize she was who I was being set up with. We headed down to the pool/BBQ area for lunch. I walked up to Lance and whispered “Hey, who was the girl I was supposed to meet today?” He told me who he thought it was and I made my move. After chatting with her for a while I went back to their place to use the restroom. Samantha was there and I asked her to confirm I was talking to the right person. Turns out I had been talking to the wrong girl right in front of Kelly. I went back to the BBQ and remedied the situation. Kelly had the foresight to save a spot next to her. I quickly took it and we started talking. We went back to help clean up as people left. Kelly had stepped out and I started scheming with Sam and Lance on how I’d ask Kelly for her number. Luckily she walked out when I did, we exchanged numbers and I told her I’d like to take her on a date soon. I was living in San Diego, so Lance and Samantha helped me plan Kelly and I’s first date in Newport Beach. I planned for us to go to a winery and then dinner at an Italian restaurant. I could tell Kelly was nervous, so I started mispronouncing the types of wine at the winery as a joke. We quickly hit it off laughing and sharing stories about ourselves. I found out as we pulled up to the restaurant that it was one of Kelly’s favorites. Since then we have recreated this date a couple years back. I looking forward to surprising Kelly with more favorite dates, laughs, and memories together.