It started online...the notification chimed, a small unassuming sound that ultimately changed our lives forever, a few messages and we already knew the connection was strong. 

We met on April 19th, 2018, on an unusually hot day in Wetherby North Yorkshire. At first, Claire walked straight past me... I managed to run after her and we began our first date. believe it or not we went for coffee and cake and we didn't stop talking all afternoon, curiosity, and the feeling that something about us felt easy like we’d known each other longer than we had.

Then the world changed.... we booked a cruise after knowing each other for only 8 hours! and we continue to try and live life to the fullest. 

Our second date was at Fountains Abbey (background photo) where we had lunch from the buffet café and sat down to realise we had picked exactly the same food, which still happens often.

When COVID arrived, uncertainty followed, but so did clarity. Life slowed down, doors closed, and somehow, we found ourselves opening one together, we lived together, as a family of 5, and then did what a lot of people did, we got a lock down fur baby, our beautiful Weimaraner Bella which completed our family to six. 

We discovered how we love travelling chasing dreams, visiting new places, collecting memories, getting lost and finding ourselves in places we should have avoided away from the tourist areas. Airports, sunsets, unfamiliar streets, and shared playlists became part of our story.

We are unapologetic foodies, bonded over flavours and late dinners, street food and white-tablecloth nights. We toast life with fine wine, linger over meals, and believe the best conversations happen when plates are almost empty and glasses are nearly full.

Through everything, love grew—quietly, steadily, beautifully. From a first meeting in 2018, through a global pause, into a life filled with journeys, meals, laughter, and togetherness.

On December 15th 2024, high above the city lights 2000 feet up at the top of the Burj Khalifa, a beautiful surprise turned into a unforgettable proposal. 

Ours is a love shaped by celebrating in travel, food, and endless laughter.

And we’re still writing it—one destination (or five), one dinner, one glass at a time.