Garrett and I first met each other through an online dating site called Plenty of Fish. There were a few catch and releases before we fell for each other hook, line and sinker. After messaging back and forth through the app for a few weeks, we exchanged numbers and decided to venture out on our first date together. We hadn't met in person until that very same morning. To top it off, we scheduled an out-of-town soiree in Solvang. So, on my way down to Nipomo, I called my friend (and our officiant), Marcos, to tell him who I was meeting along with our itinerary. Garrett and I were both so nervous. Not only was this our first time seeing one another; we were also about to be in a car for an hour long drive--what if we didn't mesh?! Well, it turns out, there was absolutely nothing to be concerned about since we hit it off immediately and could not stop chatting and laughing together. We spent an entire day together touring Solvang and Los Olivos as we began our journey into love.

I still remember so many details about our trip up to Sequoia National Park together in March of 2015. I thought it was just a fun weekend getaway--we booked the trip through a groupon offer for a night's stay at the Wukasachi Lodge. However, as we were enjoying a picnic by the Kaweah river and taking in the sights, Garrett had something else on his mind. We walked across a foot-bridge to explore the other side of the river. I climbed up a large boulder to take in a panoramic view of our surroundings and looked down to see Garrett on one knee. He took me so much by surprise that I didn't even register he was proposing! I thought he had bent down to tie his shoe or take a picture of me and I remember thinking, "that's a terrible angle!" But then, I saw a little white box in his hand and I heard him say my full (first) name, "Katherine..." The rest is history.