Let's celebrate!

The story of how Olivia and Wesley came into each other’s lives depends strongly on which of them you ask. However, the common elements are in essence Scripps, tennis, and cake. Olivia had just started a new position at Scripps Institution of Oceanography where she planned to enjoy the ocean views and was resolute in not dating any students. Wesley was in his second year of graduate school there at the time. Still new to campus, Olivia was looking for a particular room and asked the nearest person for directions. That person happened to be Wesley. He did not make a great impression. Shortly after, Olivia came across a tennis group she was unsure if she could join. When she inquired about it, Wesley, who created the group, redeemed himself with a thoughtful and welcoming response. They had their first tennis date. They continued to meet up at the courts over the next few weeks and quickly became tennis partners. After each time they played, Wesley asked if Olivia would like to grab a drink and dinner at a nearby restaurant. Olivia, oblivious to his advances and already having plans, politely declined. Wesley, however, was not deterred and finally had success the night before he left for a trip out of the country. The two made a friendly wager at dinner that night. Wesley lost and, as payment, promised to make Olivia a cake from scratch. Wesley left for his trip and Olivia forgot about the promise. Upon return, Wesley surprised Olivia with the cake, forever endearing himself to her and Olivia lived up to her title as “Student Affairs Coordinator” by breaking her rule to not date a student.

After nearly five years together, Olivia and Wes were deeply committed and long knew they both wanted to share the rest of their lives with each other. Because they already knew that their future together was a foregone conclusion, it’s hard to pinpoint an exact moment of this commitment. However they commemorated their impending unity at one of their favorite locations in the city they found each other. Just before sunset, Wes took Olivia to The Nolen, a rooftop bar, and made preparations to ensure they had spectacular views of downtown San Diego. As the sun set and the surrounding buildings began to twinkle with night-time lights, Wes kneeled down and pulled out little black box containing a vintage white and rose gold diamond ring. Though knowing this moment was coming, Olivia nervously laughed while Wes looked into her eyes as he said he wanted to have their lives intertwined indefinitely and asked if she would marry him. Despite Olivia intending to dramatically draw out her answer, she immediately responded “of course!” and they celebrated the moment with overflowing joy and glasses of Prosecco. They capped off their night with one of their favorite date night activities, a friendly game of skeeball. Though we won’t tell you the final score, Wes and Olivia both won that night by knowing they would forever be each other’s person.