Tom and Peyton met on October 6, 2018, at Ocean Beach Dog Beach in San Diego—a perfect setting for two people who feel most at peace by the water. From the start, they bonded over their shared love of reggae music, skateboarding, and the laid-back coastal lifestyle. At the time, Peyton was a student at SDSU, and Tom had just graduated from college. They hit it off instantly and quickly began exploring everything San Diego had to offer—from camping and hiking to weekend getaways and local breweries. After Peyton graduated, they moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, so she could pursue nursing school while Tom continued working sea-going jobs. Their adventures only grew from there, with trips to Asheville, Washington D.C., Delaware, South Carolina, New York, and multiple national parks. Eventually, Tom made a career shift that kept him closer to home, joining a local company specializing in ship cargo operations. Around the same time, Peyton landed her dream job on the labor and delivery floor shortly after earning her degree. They settled into life in Wilmington with their new kitten, Boba, spending their days off surfing, biking, skating, going to the beach, and staying active. In May 2024, they took a memorable road trip through New River Gorge National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On Mother’s Day, after a six-mile hike to the summit of Mt. Le Conte with sweeping views of the Smokies, Tom proposed—an unforgettable moment and the perfect reward for the trek. Now, they’re heading back to their roots in San Diego, road-tripping across the country one last time before their wedding. They’re excited to build a life—and one day, a family—rooted in love, adventure, and salty air, right where it all began.