Our love story started with a swipe right and a cheesy pick up line about finding the perfect pair partner to row with. We were both rowers in college and something about spandex and teva sandals on a dating profile made us both want to get to know each other.

Since our first date in May of 2018, we have been criss crossing the West Coast, following our careers and graduate studies, always trying to live permanently in the same zip code. Since, between the two of us, we have called Santa Clara, Pleasanton, Sacramento, Scottsdale, and Orange County home at some point or another, but have learned - no matter how many times we rent a UHaul or sign a new lease - home is always with each other.

As of this spring, we are both permanent residents of Orange County. We feel lucky to spend our mostly remote workdays together at our favorite coffee shops and libraries, with Leah reading always reading and sometimes writing and Jacob solving the appliance industry’s biggest woes. We finish most days like we start them — together. We love an evening cocktail on the coast or a late night jacuzzi. We spend our weekends getting sandy at Crystal Cove beach, playing with our parakeet Boo Boo, or making a trip to the Flagstaff mountains with family.

We are so excited to be married at the Covered Bridge in Flagstaff. Cheers to the life we are building together and all those who have helped make it special!

Leah’s perspective of our first date:

Jacob and I had our first date at Crepe’s Bistro in Santa Clara. We ordered strawberry whipped cream crepes and sat at a corner table by the window. I wore a pink suede motorcycle jacket and Jacob wore a blue polo. As soon as we sat down, we started talking. We talked about everything — my classes at SCU, Jacob’s job in Northern California, college rowing, our favorite spots in the city and our families back home. After the crepes were gone, we looked up from each other and realized the entire cafe was closed. Every chair was stacked on a table except for the ones that we were sitting in. We had to climb over them to get out!

If I didn’t know he was the man I wanted to marry yet, I did know that I did not want to stop talking to him. Standing on the sidewalk in the dark in front of both of our cars, I knew I had to think of something quick. I suggested an ice cream place down the street and we held hands while we waited in line. We ate our second dessert of the night until the crowded shop was quiet and we were the last ones there. With no more dessert spots open, we finally said good bye and made plans for a date the next Monday for Memorial Day. Instead, we saw each other just two days later on Friday. Then again on Monday. And nearly every day after that.

Jacob’s perspective of the engagement:

When I finally picked up the ring, I went straight to Leah’s parents’ house for dinner. We decided Leah’s mom, Trisha, should organize a picnic at the Covered Bridge Park in Flagstaff, AZ so that I could surprise her with the proposal. When the day finally came, I wasn’t nervous until the hour or so prior to the picnic. I told Leah that I wanted to just go for a drive which she thought was weird since we had just driven 8 hours to get to Flagstaff the day prior. While everyone was getting ready for the picnic, I put the ring box in my pocket, and we drove over to the park first with her brother, Steven, and his girlfriend, Bella.

At this point, I really started to feel antsy and excited, but I wasn’t nervous anymore. I knew this was everything I wanted. I just wanted to propose and celebrate with Leah. Trisha started setting up the picnic and I asked Leah if she wanted to go take a photo by the bridge but she said, “Not yet! I am hungry.” I could feel some nervous energy from her family because they knew what was coming, but Leah was none the wiser. Finally, I asked again, and she said ok. We were walking to the bridge when Leah noticed an interesting bird and said “Jacob, come look!” But I was already on one knee waiting for her to turn around and when she did she jumped up in the air, nearly fainted, and finally, she said yes.