Amanda's first dinner with the group was at Palette restaurant in downtown DC. Not being a shy person, Amanda introduced herself to one of the other group members at the bar before dinner. That guy turned out to be Adam. Their introductory conversation went so well, that Amanda made sure she sat next to him at dinner that night.


Adam and Amanda quickly learned they had a lot in common- from their love of travel to their mutual addiction to books and literature. Together they've fulfilled Amanda's dream of visiting Ireland and gone to Disney World so Adam could finally achieve his childhood dream of visiting Tom Sawyer Island. They've also taken trips to Hawaii, South Carolina and Las Vegas, as well as trips to their respective home states of Oregon and New York.


Over the years they also introduced eachother to new experiences; Amanda taught Adam that cats really do make good pets and Adam taught Amanda how to eat seafood and drink tea.


After three years of growing and exploring together, Adam decided it was time to take the next step. On Valentine's Day weekend in 2009, he arranged a romantic in-town escape culminating in dinner at Palette, the very same place they had met three years before. After dinner, as they walked back to their hotel, Adam got down on one knee on 15th Street and asked Amanda for her consent to marry him. Amanda's initial response, while certainly joyful, did include a bit of profanity that will not be published here- but she'll tell you if you ask!


Since neither of their families live in the DC area, Adam and Amanda have decided to hold their wedding in Charleston, South Carolina. Amanda called this charming southern city home for eight years and had always dreamed of celebrating her marriage amid the majestic Live Oaks at Charlestowne Landing's Legare-Waring House. They will continue to live in Northern Virginia (for now) and explore the world every chance they get.