Dan and I both ended up in Panama City Beach, on a random weekend in October, from different sides of the country. I was out, watching the Georgia Bulldogs take on the Missouri Tigers, and then stayed to listen to the live band playing after the game was over. Dan's squadron had just flown in from Washington, and had come out to get some dinner, when they were also attracted to the music. The band was taking requests, and when I heard, "Ladies and Gentlemen, someone has just paid $100 to hear Freebird," I knew I had to meet that person. As it turns out, it was Dan's skipper, and we spent the rest of the evening getting to know one another. We exchanged numbers, and things grew from there!

Dan and I had been dating for about a year and a half, when he was relocated to California from Washington. I flew out Easter weekend, which was the weekend that started my spring break. Dan surprised me with a weekend getaway to a beautiful resort in Santa Barbara, where we spent the weekend relaxing by the pool and enjoying the incredible views. Sunday night, we were sitting on the terrace in front of the fire pit, when Dan surprised me and asked me to marry him! It was the easiest yes I have ever said!

Dan and I have decided to do an elegant southern wedding in my hometown of Athens, Georgia. We will be long-distance planning for the most part, along with the help of our families, because as of June, we will both be living in our new town, Ridgecrest, California! Dan is working at the Naval Air Weapons Station in China Lake, and I am teaching in the local middle school. Although we are moving away, we are so excited to host our family and friends in the beautiful city of Athens!

We are so excited to celebrate with our family and friends in Athens! Athens is a great town, big enough to offer activities and fun for everyone, but small enough to still feel like home. Athens offers a variety of local restaurants, bars, shopping districts, parks, and UGA influenced experiences. We hope you enjoy visiting some of these places, playing golf, relaxing downtown, walking through North Campus, or anything else you desire while spending the weekend with us!