The relationship started out as a friendship, Daana and Cory meeting through a mutual friend.  He would ride his motorcycle up (and slightly across) from Arizona to California and at the time, you have to wonder if Cory knew there was something more, that the friendship would progress into a companionship where the two would share an enjoyment of freediving and a puppy that would symbolize their future together.

I love hearing proposal stories and Daana and Cory’s involves that said puppy.  Daana was looking to get a dog and one day, she arrived home to a brand new puppy.  The catch was there was a note attached: “Marry me.”  So in front of her family, Cory proposed to Daana.  The part of the story that both Daana and Cory laugh at is when Daana tried to take the note off in order to keep it, but the puppy was too busy trying to eat the note.  Since then it has been Daana, Cory, and their new addition to the family.

Even though it was breezy and a bit on the chilly side, it was a fun session at Santa Monica beach with Daana and Cory.  We were able to talk more about their wedding – they are having a reception in Utah first and then one here in California – and I was able to witness more of the duo – Daana is the more bubbly one while Cory is a bit more shy.  They bring out the best in each other and you can see it when Daana looks fondly at Cory and Cory has a serene smile as he looks at his bride-to-be.

Congratulations again, Daana and Cory!  You two are a lovely couple and it was wonderful sharing an evening out on the beach and pier!

The sunset was absolutely stunning…and super romantic!

After our journey on the beach, we headed up the stairs to have some fun on the pier.  There was no luck on the rings game, but Daana and Cory had a good laugh trying to win a gigantic stuffed animal.