THE BACKGROUND
How did it happen, you ask? A 'grown up' couple getting married? And who'd a thunk Chip, the man who dreams of (and often does) exploring the world with merely a backpack, would ever settle down?
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's back it up.
In 2001, soon after graduation from Business and Public Health School, Sara took an unlikely turn and opened an art gallery on Nantucket. New to the year round community, she didn't know many people, save her family and a few family friends. In her first summer (about 20 years ago), one evening near close of business, Chip and his girlfriend, Sandy, walked into the gallery - presumably out on the town, exploring what was new and different in the local arts scene before grabbing a bite to eat. Eager, interested, interesting, all three struck up a lively conversation. Sara and Sandy proceeded to become fast friends through creating events on the Nantucket Arts Council. Sara and Chip were in the extended group of friends.
As the years went on, Sara and Chip continued to build a friendship as part of the dancing scene and supporters of arts and culture and occasionally got together for a catch up dinner in town.
Through the years, Chip had invited Sara (and anyone on island who might be interested) to the arts party in the desert, Burning Man. It always sounded too "out there" to Sara, but in 2015, she said "Why not?" Sara and Chip were the only two on island who actually got tickets and decided to go.
As friends.
More dinners in town to plan the packing list, what it's like, how to prepare for 100 degree temperatures during the day and freezing temps at night, attire, dust masks, goggles, and #AllTheThings. The friendship deepened as they talked about life, friendships, relationships in general. What are YOU looking for in a relationship? To be lifted up. Ahhh. That sums it up. Me too.
September 1, 2015.
Lights, camera, action.
Suitcases, Flights, UHaul.
After setting up camp, the pair took off to explore the sculptures and the scene in the Center Camp area. Chip gently reached for her hand, and the light switch went on. A non-stop week together of travel and mutual flirtation.
I feel lifted up.
Me too.
THE ENGAGEMENT
You might imagine, in the course of 6.5 years together, a house build, lots and lots of paddleball games, travel to dance festivals, a few moves, that the conversation of marriage came up.
You'd be right.
It's been a multi-year discussion.
In December, 2021 we went on a month long trip to see a solar eclipse in Antarctica and and then hiked in Patagonia, Argentina. Much of our conversations were about "how do we want to live our lives?". At the top of a mountain overlooking glaciers and a beautiful lake, after a few hours of hiking, the decision was made.
The Beginning of the next chapter....
How did it happen, you ask? A 'grown up' couple getting married? And who'd a thunk Chip, the man who dreams of (and often does) exploring the world with merely a backpack, would ever settle down?
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's back it up.
In 2001, soon after graduation from Business and Public Health School, Sara took an unlikely turn and opened an art gallery on Nantucket. New to the year round community, she didn't know many people, save her family and a few family friends. In her first summer (about 20 years ago), one evening near close of business, Chip and his girlfriend, Sandy, walked into the gallery - presumably out on the town, exploring what was new and different in the local arts scene before grabbing a bite to eat. Eager, interested, interesting, all three struck up a lively conversation. Sara and Sandy proceeded to become fast friends through creating events on the Nantucket Arts Council. Sara and Chip were in the extended group of friends.
As the years went on, Sara and Chip continued to build a friendship as part of the dancing scene and supporters of arts and culture and occasionally got together for a catch up dinner in town.
Through the years, Chip had invited Sara (and anyone on island who might be interested) to the arts party in the desert, Burning Man. It always sounded too "out there" to Sara, but in 2015, she said "Why not?" Sara and Chip were the only two on island who actually got tickets and decided to go.
As friends.
More dinners in town to plan the packing list, what it's like, how to prepare for 100 degree temperatures during the day and freezing temps at night, attire, dust masks, goggles, and #AllTheThings. The friendship deepened as they talked about life, friendships, relationships in general. What are YOU looking for in a relationship? To be lifted up. Ahhh. That sums it up. Me too.
September 1, 2015.
Lights, camera, action.
Suitcases, Flights, UHaul.
After setting up camp, the pair took off to explore the sculptures and the scene in the Center Camp area. Chip gently reached for her hand, and the light switch went on. A non-stop week together of travel and mutual flirtation.
I feel lifted up.
Me too.
THE ENGAGEMENT
You might imagine, in the course of 6.5 years together, a house build, lots and lots of paddleball games, travel to dance festivals, a few moves, that the conversation of marriage came up.
You'd be right.
It's been a multi-year discussion.
In December, 2021 we went on a month long trip to see a solar eclipse in Antarctica and and then hiked in Patagonia, Argentina. Much of our conversations were about "how do we want to live our lives?". At the top of a mountain overlooking glaciers and a beautiful lake, after a few hours of hiking, the decision was made.
The Beginning of the next chapter....
On our way to our adventure in Antarctica and Argentina!
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The final decision!
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