Mark and Mary met the old fashioned way. In a bar. Mutual friends organized a welcome home event for Mark after he completed the Navy's Officer Candidate School, and the two were introduced that night. They decided that it would be best to just stay friends since Mark would be leaving for Pensacola to start flight school in just a few months. So much for that! Fast forward five years, after three years of long-distance, a cross-country move, and a triumphant return to the West Coast, they're getting married!

Before they left Norfolk, Mark had bought a ring and was making plans for the perfect engagement. He decided to wait until they were back in California where they would be closer to family. He kept the ring hidden while packing and moving across the country until, finally, the time came. Mary left San Diego on a Saturday morning flight for a family reunion in the Bay Area. Mark had plans to secretly fly up to surprise her later that day. There was just one small problem. When Mark got to the airport, he realized he accidentally bought the wrong plane ticket! After the initial panic faded, he was able to change his flights and salvage the trip. He made it to her just in time to pop the question while overlooking the beach. Best of all, the two were able to celebrate with family that same day.

Mark and Mary are incredibly fortunate to not only have loving and supportive families but to have made lasting friendships with wonderful people across the country. From California to Virginia and everywhere in between, they are excited to celebrate their union with the people who have helped shape them into the people they are today!