Anthony made the "first move" by trying to talk to Allyn — just small talk and laughing about all the funny sweaters some of the other guests were wearing.

Allyn recalls being oblivious to Anthony’s interest at the time, she thought he was just being friendly as people do at social gatherings. But it’s probably for the best because their interactions that evening were natural without expectations. That evening, Anthony and Allyn kept finding themselves around each other - according to Anthony, "it's because Anthony was following her around". When Allyn sat down at the dinner table, Anthony chose the seat right next to her. When Allyn went to play a game with her friend, Anthony was there ready to challenge. He was charming, playful, and ever-present— characteristics that are still true today.

By the end of the night as Allyn was getting ready to leave, one of her oldest friends gave her a much-needed nudge — pointing out that Anthony’s attention wasn’t just friendliness, it was interest. And thankfully, that little realization made all the difference.

While Allyn was apprehensive about going on a date — having just started her graduate program for a Master’s in Public Health — something told her to say "yes".

Their first date was axe-throwing in Redmond. Allyn remembers how easy it was to talk to Anthony — and the kindness his eyes held. Given that she once had a stint “working on eyes,” it’s something she remains keenly attentive to even now. That night while bantering and coming up with creative ways to throw sharp things, started what would be the rest of their lives together.

Allyn remembers how significant it was that Anthony was incredibly supportive of her decision to work full-time while also attending graduate school full-time. Anthony saw that, even with her [very] limited time, Allyn spent her time around him and together they grew their relationship. As an added plus, Anthony had also undergone a similar experience while he completed his Masters in Speech Therapy, so he "got it". At the same time, Anthony was serving in the Army Reserves, which meant one of those weekends each month was spent at drill. But the time they spent together — then and now — has always been so special to them.

As their relationship continued to grow, they found shared interests in activities like going on hikes, camping, eating out at new restaurants, and spending time with family. Trips to Arizona, Lake Kachess, Mt. Rainer, and Mt. Baker, Scotland, Uganda, made for lasting memories. Allyn and Anthony decided to add a new adventure partner to the mix and picked up their puppy, Ollie, from Fall City. With Ollie, their outdoor excursions and weekend trips became even more frequent and exciting. . And what had been just “Anthony and Allyn” started to feel like it was becoming something more and they began talking about what they wanted for the future.

Fast forward to the day of the proposal. The simple story is this: Anthony thoughtfully orchestrated a proposal that was intimate and personal, capturing everything he and Allyn value most. Surrounded by nature, Anthony asked Allyn for a forever together. It was a day full of time together, time with family and friends, and, of course, time outside. Together, we look forward to having you at our wedding, surrounded by friends and family, in our favorite place – Outside.