OUR STORY
How it began
Magic happens when you set the distance setting on your dating app to 3 miles. Laurie swiped right (errr . . . or is it left?! I just looked it up - it was right) on Brian's profile, struck by his outdoorsy photos and manly beard. To Brian, it seemed as if Laurie could keep up with his athletic endeavors and that she had many of the same hobbies - he swiped right. They bumbled. They Buzzed? They matched. Their first date was spent closing down the Biergarten in downtown Encinitas, sharing stories and learning that they both had far too many overlaps in social and professional circles, music, values, and hobbies . . . oh, and their shared love of dogs (hi Ody!). Fun fact: Brian didn't throw Laurie a smooch on the first date. Their second date? An insanely intimate bluegrass concert (see: Chatham County Line). The next date? A four-day planning conference in Pasadena, California where Brian tried to convince Laurie that he actually attends conference sessions. This is also where Laurie discovered Brian's newfound affinity for Zumba.
Despite learning of Brian's zest for aerobic dance, Laurie decided to move forward in getting to know this incredibly interesting fellow. The two spent the next few months biking, camping, skiing/snowboarding, surfing, backpacking, and traveling. Within a month, Laurie had even convinced Brian to do a half Ironman with her - a completely alien lineup of consecutive activities to him. Laurie met Brian's parents just two months after meeting him - a feat no other girl had accomplished (Hi Cookie! Hi Scott!). It was on a trip up to Mammoth that Brian asked Laurie to move in with him - only if Ody approved, that is. Ody did the math and soon realized: double the treats, she can stay. So, they kicked Jake, the roommate, out of the condo (Jake, if you're listening, we still get your mail!!) and Laurie moved in. Brian's life was infinitely better.
The three went on living the best life in funky Leucadia, spending time with family, growing a garden, surfing every now and then, and building their community of friends (hi guys!).
The proposal
Brian decided to propose to Laurie in Olympic National Park in Washington during their five-day backpacking trip. Before they left for the trip, he drove up to Los Angeles to drop Ody off with his mom. While with his mom, he decided to call up Laurie's mom (Paula). Since they mainly just talk over text, when he called Paula, she immediately answered with: "What’s wrong with my daughter?!" He then asked Paula for permission to marry her daughter. After a response of "Laurie is going to pee her pants", he called (OK, texted) Garth, Laurie's dad. He texted back (from an Ohio State football game) "You've made me the happiest man in Ohio right now," followed by "She is going to pee her pants." (She didn't, if you are wondering).
Brian and Laurie flew to Portland first to meet up with the rest of their friends - Lee, Nadia, and Noah. They left the next morning for the trail and before getting to the trailhead, stopped off at the Ranger's Station to finalize the route. After a thorough review of the various scenic spots along the planned 52-mile, 5-day backpacking trek, and a tip from the park ranger on the drive in, Brian chose the proposal spot - Marmot Lake. Ironically enough, as he was talking to the Ranger, Laurie was picking out postcards to send to their families after the trip. Guess what postcard she chose? The one with Marmot Lake on it. Check.
The night before the planned proposal was . . . insane. Noah and Lee can tell you exactly why everyone ended up hiking over six miles more than planned - something about finding a shortcut in the trail, when it was actually a game trail made for four feet, not two. They ended up hiking straight uphill until 9 pm in black bear, cougar, and bugling elk territory on the side of a mountain with no flat spots to be found. They all "slept" on the side of a mountain that night.
They made their way down the next day with a few cuts, a few bruises, and some battered gear, but successfully arrived at Marmot Lake and decided to spend the entire day swimming and relaxing. The next morning, feeling refreshed, they woke up, took pictures of bears (there was a 4:1 bear to human ratio at this lake!), and planned to take some group photos at the lake. Brian didn't tell anyone that he was going to propose on this trip, so when he asked Laurie for a couples shot (first of all, she was shocked that he even wanted a photo), the crew started wondering what was up. He fumbled around for the ring (it was in his backpack hip pocket), dropped down to one knee and asked his best friend to marry him. She didn't pee her pants but she did ask: "ARE YOU SURE?!" It was incredible to have their friends around for this momentous occasion, and for them to be just as shocked - "Is this happening?! Oh my gosh, it's happening. Brian is proposing!"
She eventually said "yes" and they spent two more days away from cell service, enjoying the great outdoors. Laurie cried the entire way to the end of the trail. She has since stopped crying.