Like many modern love stories, ours began online. Although we were both based in Los Angeles, fate had other plans for our first connection—I was visiting family in Utah, while Kirsta was home in Washington. What started as a simple match on Christmas Eve quickly turned into playful banter, holiday stories, and message after message that made the distance feel irrelevant. It didn’t take long to realize we genuinely enjoyed talking to each other. When we both returned to LA, I asked Kirsta if she’d like to go on a date—and she cheerfully said yes. On that first date, we sat side by side while I nervously rambled, butterflies in full force and barely leaving her room to talk (sorry, Kirsta!). After dinner, I headed home wondering if it had gone as well as I hoped. I didn’t wait long before texting her to say I’d had a great time and ask for a second date. Once again, she happily agreed. Date number two was lunch, followed by a long walk along the Venice Beach path. As I walked her back to her car, she let me sneak a gentleman’s kiss—a small moment that left me walking away with a giant smile. Minutes later, one of my closest friends texted me about extra tickets to an EDM concert (not something either of us had ever been too). Without hesitation, I asked Kirsta if she wanted to spend New Year’s Eve with me. That night, dancing, laughing, and completely lost in the moment, I felt something I’d never experienced before. After only two and a half dates, we both somehow knew—this was the beginning of a lifetime adventure. After a year of dating in Santa Monica, we decided to take the next step and grow together under one roof. We found an apartment in El Segundo, close to the beach—and with a giant garage for all my toys :) Living together, building a life, and falling more in love each day, I knew there was no reason to wait any longer. On a rainy yet brilliantly green June morning while visiting Vermont, I asked Kirsta to marry me atop Bromley Mountain—a place that has always been deeply special to me. It was perfect. And now, we can’t wait to say “I do” once again in Vermont this coming June, surrounded by the people we love most. Photography © Garrett and Gracie Photography