hello to our people

Since it was October 2020 I suggested a video date, which Jamie immediately made better by deciding we would virtually make frozen pizza and drink our favorite beer (J: I was immediately smitten when I learned Lauren was a pizza and beer type of girl). The conversation was so easy (and he was very handsome!) (J: Lauren was so pretty and smart, and she laughed at my puns) so we made plans for an in-person date. Jamie took the ferry over to Seattle and I remember walking up the stairs to the ferry exit (I was running late, obviously) (J: She was right on time) and seeing him and thinking to myself OMG IS THAT TALL HANDSOME MAN HIM?!?! (J: I remember thinking IS THAT TALL BEAUTIFUL WOMAN HER?!) We were both nervous, but instantly fell into a warm, wonderful conversation over dumplings (J: We bonded over amazing food and how warm-blooded we are. We thought we might flag for COVID when they temperature screened us!). When he left for the ferry that night to go home, I felt so excited to see him again (J: I've never had a first date go that well, and I couldn't wait to spend more time with Lauren).

Jamie set up a 'date night' in Poulsbo and suggested we start at our favorite coffee shop (J: On the way up, Lauren was talking about work and said "Men are useless"). When we got there the coffee shop was just closing (J: Note to self: REMEMBER TO CHECK THE HOURS, DUMMY!) but we pivoted and he suggested we go around back to look at the water from the bluff overlooking the bay. We were just chatting and then all of a sudden Jamie squared his shoulders and looked deep into my eyes, and said "It's been a beautiful year..." (J: I said the word "beautiful" probably 9 times in a minute) He proposed, I said yes! (J: I couldn't figure out which direction the ring box opened) Then we headed to our favorite bar where he had invited friends from Seattle for a celebratory dinner (J: A piece of advice: always end memorable days with soft pretzels). It was all so simple and perfect and we couldn't have asked for a more memorable evening!

We are so excited to share our special day and become husband and wife in front of you, our people!