Our story began like any classic love story: a match on Hinge. 😉

The kicker? It was complete luck, happening while I was vacationing in Miami and Max was back home visiting family.

Alas, the match sat unacknowledged, an Instagram follow request came through, and then… radio silence.

I couldn’t help but notice his profile was filled with Mariners photos, and after waiting (somewhat impatiently) for him to make a move, I finally said something: “Mariners? But in Miami? I’m confused!”

We exchanged a few messages here and there, but never ended up meeting.

Fast forward a few months—I was in Arizona for my best friend Erika’s bachelorette party and shared a photo of a palm tree. Max responded: “This doesn’t look like Seattle? If you’re in Arizona, so am I!”

Right place, right time.

Our first date was at Joyride in Gilbert, where we connected over margaritas, queso, and endless laughter—a combination I didn’t realize would become a staple of our relationship.

The conversation flowed effortlessly, and what started as two strangers meeting for the first time quickly turned into a night we didn’t want to end.

About the time we decided we should say goodbye, a live rendition of Making Me Look Good Again lured us across the street to Whiskey Row. One song turned into another, and before we knew it, we were singing, swaying, and closing down the bar.

Best first date ever. Did it have to end?

Unfortunately, yes—I had an early flight back home the next morning.

The next day, Max sent a text: “Time to plan round two.”

And just like that, a months-long back-and-forth between Arizona and Washington began. I was tied to my job in Maple Valley, and Max was busy with Spring Training. Somehow, we found the time.

We explored my favorite hometown spots, took road trips around Arizona (our third date was to the Grand Canyon!), and lingered over slow mornings with coffee.

We didn't know what this could turn into, but we both knew that life was just better when the other was in it.

In the summer of 2023, Max got an incredible opportunity to transition from Major League Baseball to coaching college baseball.

Long distance just didn’t fit the bill anymore, so in August 2023, we took a leap and moved to Texas, bringing along Charley—my sweet dog and pride and joy, who now gets Max as her "dog-dad" forever.

In Texas, our lives quickly found a rhythm—more morning coffee dates, impromptu road trips, a lot of baseball, and the simple joy of cheering each other on in moments big and small.

We were just happy to be together.

On May 27, 2024, Max and I had planned what I thought was just a typical date night: bring Charley to the baseball field to play, quickly drop her off at home, head to dinner, be home by 9. All casual.

Except… it wasn’t casual at all.

The whole team was in on the secret, and I had absolutely no idea. One moment, we were tossing a ball for Charley, and the next, Max was down on one knee asking me to marry him. I was so caught off guard, I did what any totally calm and rational person would do—I folded over, blacked out, and forgot to answer.

And then it hit me, and it was the easiest "yes."

The rest of the night was perfect—just the two of us, celebrating and indulging in seemingly endless questions from me, still in total disbelief that it had actually happened.

It was one of those moments that felt both surreal and certain all at once—this was how our story was always meant to unfold.

Our relationship is built on the small joys—handwritten notes, live music, Adam Sandler movies (with Max patiently teaching me all the classics), and good, old-fashioned quality time. We are so grateful for what we're building together, and we know it wouldn’t be possible without our people.

We hope our wedding is a reflection of just that—a heartfelt celebration of all the family and friends who have poured love into our lives as individuals, shaping us into the people we are today, and ultimately making it possible for us to find and love each other.

We can’t wait for what comes next.