Weʻre Changing Our Filing Status

In the day and age where our cell phones are attached to our hands at all times, it comes as no surprise that we relied on making connections through social media and online dating. Robb was on vacation, while Leinnan was just wrapping up an annual audit on the Big Island. Robb had given Leinnan a "Super Like", and conversation took off for the next 4 months thereafter. Robbʻs persistence and character was what made Leinnan take the flight to meet in person - in Baggage Claim 2 at the Oakland International Airport. And the rest is history!

We were both on a working vacation with Robbʻs super generous parents in the Dominican Republic. Our initial "touristy" plans on the North coast near Samana had fell through at the last minute. So we just decided to spend the day relaxing and sunbathing on the beach of our hotel property. Robb needed to purchase some sunglasses since he was struggling with reading his book comfortably. When he returned, Robb said that a hotel employee had recommended a "lagoon" within walking distance from where we were currently lounging (which ended up being a white lie). So as we were walking along the beach, Robb subtly made Leinnan take a break from walking to enjoy the view of the northern coastline then started rambling about sweet nothings. In one sweeping motion, Robb took out a square "Shane Co" box from the pocket of his swim trunks, got down on one knee, revealed the most gorgeous Sapphire nestled between two smaller diamonds, and popped the ultimate question. Unbeknownst to him, Leinnan had also noticed the flat, plastic hotel room key fall out of his pocket at almost the same moment Robb pulled out the Shane Co box. In shock and disbelief (and utters of "What are you doing?" and "Are you serious?!"), it took Leinnan at least 10 seconds to process what was going on. But within those 10 seconds (to Robb it was an eternity), the wave came in, and had carried the room key away and into the ocean. As Robb was a little preoccupied, Leinnan left him in that position to chase after the key before it floated too far away from shore. After this brief reset, realization and elatedness had kicked in; Leinnan had finally choked out "yes" in between each breath and tears of joy. It was the perfect timing.

As an Accountant, Leinnan will always use simple math and numbers to remember and justify specific dates. Leinnan also has always liked the number 5. Every basketball or volleyball team, high school or club, she always picked a number with 5 in it. That said, the day (27): 7 - 2 = 5. The year (23): 2 + 3 = 5. This specific date, 7/27, also incorporates both Leinnan and Robbʻs birthdays. Leinnan was born on 7/20, while Robb was born on 2/7. Side note, Leinnan will be 32 (3 + 2 = 5) years young on their wedding day! Needless to say, Robb has no excuse to "forget" any future anniversaries!! Why a Thursday? Letʻs be real: A Thursday during peak wedding season made more sense for all of our out of town guests to have a mini vacation! We canʻt wait to celebrate with you! See you in the East Bay!