Brian & Shawn had seen each other at work on the construction site of Shanghai Disneyland, but the first time they talked to each other was during a chance meeting at a restaurant on a weekend morning. Shawn was meeting with potential roommates after answering an ad for a room to rent. Brian came in to the restaurant and sat on a bench near the door while waiting for a friend to show up. Shawn saw his shot and he took it - he approached Brian and introduced himself on the way to the bathroom.

Brian and Shawn flew to Seattle for a day to take the Coast Starlight train back home to Los Angeles. It was the final voyage of the Pacific Parlour car - a double decker lounge car with dining area, bar, and screening room - before it was retired from Amtrak. It was a cold, gloomy Saturday in Seattle, but Shawn had planned non-stop activities and sightseeing. Nerves and pouring rain delayed the proposal, but finally Shawn asked Brian at the end of the night and the historic train trip became even more special with their engagement.