(Rick) One Tuesday in January of 2015, I was working at one of my accounts (Oroweat) and ran into my contact Trinette. Amid our usual small talk, she asked me if I was seeing anyone. I wondered how I should answer that. What others envision as my dream girl generally doesn't meet up to my expectations. I told her I was pretty picky and not too interested in dating at the time, but send me a photo and I'll consider. She sent me a pic of Natalie all decked out in her Oregon Ducks gear at a race she had just finished. I figured it probably wouldn't last, but what the heck. Our first date was at Thirsty Lion in Tigard. I had bigger plans for that night, but had to scale it back due to bad weather. We sat at the bar for dinner and drinks and talks and laughs. The rest is history! (Natalie) One Tuesday in January of 2015, I received a text from my friend Trinette asking if I was interested in going on a blind date. My response at the the time was my best version of a polite decline. I was having fun doing my own thing and not looking for a relationship. After numerous replies back and forth with her, she asked me to send a pic and shortly after sent me a pic of Rick looking all manly in a forest. Pretty much what he looks like now! I thought to myself...not too shabby. : ) I agreed she could give him my number and we'd chat. We texted for hours and even spoke on the phone once or twice. Our conversations were hilarious, but I was still so apprehensive about going on a blind date. My best friend Tressie, who also happens to be Trinette's sister, spent a week or so trying to convince me by saying "Why not?" "You don't have anything to lose." "Aaand...you'll get free dinner and beer!" Reluctantly, I finally agreed and never for one second ever regretted it.

(Rick) This was put in motion pretty early on. My dad graciously handed down a family diamond that has been in the family for over a 100 years. I had a ring custom made at a jeweler in Bellevue, WA and little did I know it getting it to Portland in time would be the most stressful part of it all. It had arrived the day before we were leaving for our 10 day road trip to Canada. Pffeew! I planned on proposing sometime during our trip, but wasn't sure when and where. My sister Jeni suggested that I do it sooner than later so it isn't burning a hole in my pocket the entire time. That being said, I decided I would drop to a knee on our way out and start the trip off right. We drove through the gorge and crossed the bridge to the replica of Stonehenge on the WA side. I grabbed the ring, my video camera, our favorite 22oz. Hop Valley beer, and found a quiet spot overlooking the Columbia River and Mt. Hood. The picturesque setting was perfect for us as I recorded this once in a lifetime moment. I told Natalie I knew on our fourth date in Pacific City that I would be marrying her. I never doubted it either! (Natalie) It was a beautiful Thursday morning to start our first big road trip to Canada and after arranging all the travel and adventure itineraries, I was super stoked to get this show on the road! Our first leg was going to be an 8 hour drive to Bonner's Ferry, ID. If you've ever ridden with Rick, there are frequent bathroom breaks along the way, so I wasn't surprised when he stopped 2 hours in to use the facilities. He asked if I wanted to check out the Stonehenge replica right across the river. I was game. It was sunny and a nice spot to stretch the legs. It was no surprise when I saw the beer and our 49er & Seahawks come out as well as his tripod and camera. That's how he rolls. : ) We cheersed at a our little spot and then the Magic happened. The funniest part was me asking "What are you doing?" when he got down on his knee to talk. Then of course I said YES!