Haley and Gamble’s paths crossed more than once during their time at SMU, but it took until second semester senior year to turn a few passing moments into something real. Gamble asked Haley to his Winter Formal, which just so happened to fall on Valentine’s Day, and she said yes right away. A week or so before the dance, they went on their first official date. What was meant to be a quick drink turned into hours of conversation, a glass (or two) of pinot, and a game of darts, which Haley won and has not let Gamble forget. :)

They clicked immediately. They bonded over their shared love of the outdoors, adventure, and family, and both walked away feeling like they’d known each other their whole life.

Not long after, the world shut down. While the global pandemic put most plans on hold, it didn’t slow Haley and Gamble down. They spent nearly every day together in Dallas, making the most of lockdown life with long walks, picnics in the park, endless puzzles, and even a knitting lesson or two—courtesy of Haley.

After graduation, Haley headed back to the Bay Area, while Gamble went to his family’s home in Orange Beach, Alabama. Haley visited Gamble whenever she could, including one unforgettable trip that involved riding out Hurricane Sally together. A global pandemic, long distance, and a Category 2 hurricane later, they’d proven there wasn’t much they couldn’t handle together.

A year later, Gamble moved to Irvine and Haley settled in San Diego, kicking off two years of “medium distance” and back-and-forth weekends. They finally closed the distance a few years later when they moved in together in Newport Beach!

In July, Gamble planned a “picnic” overlooking Donner Lake in Tahoe. The forecast had called for blue skies, but of course, the weather had other plans. A sudden windstorm and rain sent them scrambling for cover under a tree and behind a giant rock, laughing as they waited it out. Once the skies cleared, Gamble raised a toast that turned into the most meaningful proposal Haley could have imagined.

Now, Haley and Gamble are so excited to be getting married in Carmel Valley, California, surrounded by the people they love most. They can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter—and their favorite adventure yet—with all of you.