Gabriel and Katie met in Detroit on Friday, August 26th, 2016, with the help of a trusty little dating app. Because how else do you meet people in a city where you don't know anyone? Gabriel had moved to Detroit from LA to start with Microsoft the year prior, and Katie had moved to Detroit from Chicago for work two years before that. From the moment they sat down at the bar at Andiamo in Royal Oak, sparks began to fly.

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From their love of music and food and travel, to their passion for their careers and their eerily similar childhoods, they discovered one similarity after the next as they talked late into the evening. A few days later they had their second date at Katie's favorite sushi place, which just happened to be right by her church. So they had a lovely evening walk after dinner, discussing faith and how important God and family was to them both. And a few days later, on Labor Day weekend, date #3 turned into a spontaneous road trip to the other side of Michigan. No plans quickly turned into a Mustang, charcuterie tasting in Ann Arbor, sitting on the pier in South Haven, MI, grilling their own steaks at the Grill House, 15 hours of quality time, and a whole new level in the relationship. Ever since, adventure has been part of their DNA.

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In October of 2017, they traded their snow shovels in for beach umbrellas and took the opportunity to move out to LA together to be closer to family. So when it came time for Gabriel to propose in May of 2019, it seemed only natural that both sets of parents be part of their special day.

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Katie's best friend, Maricar (MOH), had just come into town for a week-long girl's trip, so Gabriel thought this was the perfect opportunity to pop the question. He made a reservation for Sunday brunch at the same place where they had their first dinner after moving to LA— a restaurant overlooking the ocean in Santa Monica. The three of them headed down to the beach to "take photos" before brunch and Gabriel got down on one knee to ask Katie to be his adventure partner for life. Little did she know, the parents were all watching this play out from the window above them. Perhaps if she had, she would've spent less time taking selfies. ;) Luckily, Gabriel's cousin, Ashley, was there to capture the moment and the celebration. The next day, they headed to Disneyland with Maricar— because if you don't take pictures at Disney, did you really even get engaged?

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And since that day, it's been one adventure after the next. Wedding planning is a full-time job, and it's stressful enough without the pandemic! They can't wait to walk down the aisle together and celebrate with all the people they love. Although after this is all over, a week on the beach will definitely be in order...