Brandon and Shannon’s Story (as told by Brandon… )

Brandon and Shannon met when they were both invited out for a bar hopping afternoon with friends. Being set up by friends is hit or miss but this worked out just fine! The romance started when Brandon showed up to a bar in San Clemente to find that his friends, Shannon’s friends, and specifically Shannon had started the party earlier than expected… Or maybe he was just late. Our two love birds hit it off right away and spent most of the time together talking and having fun with their friends. The party went on into the evening and even included dinner at a pizza joint in San Juan. Everyone was having a great time and enjoying a round of after dinner drinks as the evening seemed to be wrapping up. Then unannounced to Brandon, Shannon attempted to Irish goodbye and head home without so much as a see-you-later. Upon realizing she had left, Brandon gave chase! He found her not far away, in fact she was only outside the restaurant doors waiting on an Uber. Brandon turned up the charm and was able to get her number just before opening the door to her ride and saying goodnight.

Shannon, desperately wanting to talk to Brandon, was the first to text only a couple days after their first-time meeting. *(in truth they had met earlier in the year at another seaside bar but hadn’t talked much as they were both there with friends.) The texting lasted for only a few days before Brandon called and asked Shannon out on their first date. It took a while to align their busy schedules, but they eventually made it out for a very memorable after work date. They hit it off immediately and Brandon put her through the tests of that first date… Kayaking, sandbar, Poke sushi and a beautiful view. Yup, she looks great in a bathing suit, can swim, is athletic, and enjoys raw fish! The dates progressed from beach trips, to boating on Lake Mead, to domestic and international travel (mostly to Shannon’s friends destination weddings.) Through out their travels one thing was consistent… they loved to be together. This was true whether it was a drive through Napa into the mountains of Tahoe, a flight home from Cabo, a scooter ride down the coast of Portugal, or a thrilling drive through an Italian seaside town with streets barely big enough for golf carts!

After about 10 months of dating Brandon asked Shannon to move into his tiny “new” house in Mission Viejo. Shannon was sad to leave her cute condo near the beach but was willing to make the sacrifice for love and hasn’t regretted that decision once! Life at their new home was great and included lots of time with family and friends. Fourth of July parties, days at the local lake, and random golf cart trips through the neighborhood were only some of the moments they’ll remember.

At some point during the last year (November 2023) Brandon made the easiest decision of this life… to ask for Shannon’s hand in marriage. After much time spent saving and planning, he moved forward with his plan during the summer of 2024. Working with a couple of Shannon’s friends, he got the details needed and had a ring made by the local jeweler. Then secretly did reconnaissance on multiple possible locations, lined up a photographer, met in secret, and nailed down a final plan. Before the plan was enacted Brandon took Mr. Thomas out for midweek Pizza and Beers to ask his permission. Jeff Thomas obliged (thank god) and even seemed happy. Thank you sir!

Exactly two days before their 2-year dating anniversary Brandon convinced Shannon to go on another kayaking date with him. They would be reenacting their first date on this beautiful summer day. Just before sunset the couple pulled onto the sand bar in Dana Point Harbor. They hopped out and got wet in the knee-deep water while admiring the view. Brandon positioned Shannon in just the right spot so the sun was on her face and the harbor at her back. He dropped to a knee in a foot of water and proposed with the ring he had hidden (and almost dropped in the ocean.) She said yes and they popped a bottle of champagne. As hidden friends up on land were taking pictures, they boarded the kayak and headed off to finish their date at the lookout above the harbor. From there it was a quick ride home and a shower before their dinner reservations. Through some significant trickery Shannon was convinced to go by the Brewer’s house to tell them the good news before dinner. To her honest surprise there was a small group of friends and family waiting to embrace the newly engaged couple. A small party ensued, and a great time was had by all!

Next is a wedding with all of Shannon and Brandon’s closest friends and family. They can’t wait to see you all. The rest of this story is yet to be written, but it will surely be full of friends, family, and great times.