The beginning
How they met
Dan and Clay's paths first crossed at the beach on a warm Saturday in August 2021. Dan had recently relocated from Boston to San Diego and was acclimating to his new home by driving his new convertible (yes, a Miata) to the coast as often as possible. A few weeks after their chance encounter on the sand, the two reconnected online and met for a first date at the Trolley Barn Park in University Heights. What was meant to be a quick afternoon picnic turned into hours of conversation, concluding with dinner and drinks nearby.
Conveniently, Clay and Dan lived only a few blocks away from each other in North Park and began a ritual of evening walks and spent weekends adventuring around town. The pair quickly became inseparable and made things official that December.
Adventures along the way
Growing together
Clay and Dan's lives became increasingly intertwined, often spending weekends and holidays with each other's friends and family on both sides of the country. In late 2022, they moved in together near the location of their first date. While putting roots down together in their new apartment, the two continued to indulge in their love of travel. From beer halls in Munich to onsens in Kyoto, they have been lucky enough to experience many new countries and cultures together.
The couple took a major step in early 2024, purchasing their first home together a few miles east in La Mesa. Through the challenges of first-time homeownership (including a new roof, central A/C install, and countless other repairs), Clay and Dan have further strengthened their partnership and commitment to each other.
A new backyard meant that a new puppy was soon to follow… Clay and Dan adopted a piebald dachshund in December 2024 and named her Poppy. When she isn't sunbathing on the patio, Poppy likes to accompany Dan and Clay on trips to local parks, beaches, and breweries. While she won't be at the wedding, she sends her love and kisses to you all.
A lifelong commitment
The proposal
Clay finally proposed to Dan on September 3rd 2025 while on vacation in France. Following a day at the Louvre, and unbeknownst to Dan, Clay had chartered a private cruise on the Seine. While walking along the Left Bank, Dan was surprised to be flagged down by a captain at a small dock who greeted the couple with rosé and macarons. Clay and Dan relaxed as they navigated the river, watching the sun set over Paris.
After they disembarked, they walked further along the Seine and found a place to sit directly beneath the Eiffel Tower near the Pont d'Iéna. As the Eiffel Tower began to sparkle, Clay asked Dan to quickly turn and take a photo of the scene. As Dan turned back around, he found Clay on one knee (dangerously close to the river) with a ring in hand. Dan exclaimed "Yes!" through joyful tears, launching them into the next major chapter of their lives as fiancés.
