How we met depends on who you ask! We are both in agreement that we met at a country bar called Moonshine Flats in downtown San Diego. However, it was HIP HOP night. To Michael’s recollection, he was grooving, dead center of the dance floor. The top of his head….well and shoulders for that matter could not be missed. After 15 minutes of Molly trying to figure out how such a large body could move the way it did, she became intrigued. We met eyes and Molly slithered over in a trance like a snake to a well coordinated snake charmer. However, if you ask Molly about our first interaction, she may not have even seen Michael on the dance floor (debatable). She was minding her own business in an adorable Pennsylvania meets California cowgirl outfit. We then crossed paths near the bar and had unparalleled banter from the get go!

Once Michael received Tom and Patty's blessing, over Zoom (thanks again Covid), it was game on! We were up in the “Epicenter of Coolness” (aka South Orange County), as Michael calls it, on Christmas Eve when he suggested an afternoon stroll in Dana Point Harbor. A spot Michael had grown up going to and we’ve visited many times over our years of dating. Just seemed like a leisurely stroll to Molly, while Michael was patting his jacket pocket and wiping his sweaty palms. Towards the end of our walk there was an 100 stair climb to get to our final destination when Molly said "Lets race!" Huffing and puffing at the top, Molly unknowingly directed us to the exact spot Michael had planned, Doris Walker overlook. The only thing more beautiful than the sunset was the happiness and surprise on Molly’s face when she turned around to Michael on one knee.