I Do. We Do.

We invite you to join us October 7 – 10, 2021, on the occasion of our 1-year anniversary and 11 years of togetherness. We hope COVID-19 will be behind us. With your help, we will reveal and celebrate the impact of our charitable contributions in what will be a timeless Palm Springs weekend.

How did we meet? The question always brings a look of panic for us as we assess the situation. Do we tell the public story? Or the private story? The public story is that we met having wine at Francesca’s. Michael was convinced he only drank cocktails, explaining to the bartender he is a self-taught chef who learned to cook using flavor profiles, mixing ingredients until he got the perfect mix. “I don’t like wine,” Michael said. “You’re not drinking enough if you don’t like wine,” Tim said. “Wine is all about flavor profiles.” Tim had the bartender create a wine flight of Pinot Noirs–some from Oregon, some from California. Together, they explored the difference–and have been ever since. Technically Francesca’s was our second date, which brings us to the private story. The private story is that Tim was soaking in the tub at Glen Rowan House the Sunday after Lake Forest’s Homecoming when he fired up a new dating app, Grindr. Michael was the only one Tim’s age within 5 miles. The texting conversation was quick and easy, with witty banter. “Brunch plans?” Tim asked. “I have plans,” he texted. “But how about lunch tomorrow?” And so, it was lunch on Monday at Lake Forest Wine and Cheese. A turkey and Havarti sandwich on marbled rye, lettuce, tomato, and a touch of spicy mustard; kettle chips; and an iced tea. Conversations about cats: his 18-year-old Miro was still kicking; his Sheleata Kanatuna passed too young. Conversations about dogs: he has a pug, Napoleon Bonapug; he had a dachshund Long John, who had just passed. Conversations about work: he mis-measured drapes; he lost the Homecoming parade. Conversations about cars: he has a midnight blue car; he got his first grey car, hates it, and should waited for a midnight blue. Conversations about food: he cooks; he critiques. Conversations about design: he wants to update homes built in the ‘50s and ‘60s; he points out that’s midcentury modern. It feels like yesterday. Only, it was October 10, 2010. 10.10.10.

On Christmas Day, Tim presented Michael with a ring designed by Michael Weems, a Palm Springs artist they both like. It is steel from a 1956 Cadillac motor part melted down and nickel plated. Like us, it is solid, has history, yet is modern. It is a new twist on a classic. Unlike a trinket in a blue box, it is not ostentatious, yet is still beautiful and of enduring value. Truly unique and one-of-a-kind, a ring is a line that continues for infinity, like our love for each other.

We have no need for additional things, in a world where many are without. While we appreciate your urge to present us with a material item as a symbol of your support, your contribution to the I Do. We Do. Charity Fund on the donate page would be meaningful to us, and expand the impact of our love.