Alex and Catherine met as many millennial couples do nowadays - via an online dating app in July 2023.

Alex's profile caught Catherine's eye for many reasons, but she knew she had to message him when she saw pictures of his adorable savannah cats, James and Cersei. (As an avid cat lover, Catherine knew that any man who owned spotted domestic kitties had to be a "purrsonality" worth meeting!)

Due to Catherine's well-known crazy travel schedule, the only time she could meet Alex for a first date was for a Sunday brunch before a flight. Alex asked to her to meet at his favorite San Diego brunch spot, The Great Maple, where they had a terrific time enjoying great food and great company. (The Great Maple has since become one of the couple's favorite restaurants, with Alex and Catherine visiting The Great Maple every July to celebrate the anniversary of their first date.)

Shortly after, Catherine passed her first "big test" when she finally met Alex's beloved spotted kitties. Catherine got along immediately with James, the golden savannah cat, who cuddled with her and "made biscuits" on her lap. While Cersei, the silver savannah cat, apparently likes no one other than Alex, Catherine appreciated her striking markings and understood that Cersei was a diva who needed her space. Alex knew right away that any lady who could handle his rather demanding designer felines must be quite special (and patient)!

About three months into dating (in between Catherine's endless flights around the country), Alex asked Catherine to be his girlfriend. (Apparently Alex knew during their first date that Catherine was "the one," and he asked Catherine to be exclusive as soon as she was spending more than a few days in a row without jumping on an airplane.)

Alex gave Catherine the surprise of her life when he proposed at one of her most favorite places in the universe, Disney World, in August 2025. Alex went all out, proposing in between courses two and three at the Michelin Star restaurant Victoria & Albert's at The Grand Floridian Hotel. Catherine was so unprepared that she initially forgot to say "yes," asking instead what was happening and apologizing for being so ineloquent as she tried to thank Alex for such an amazing gesture. But, after Alex gently reminder her that the she still had not said the only word he cared about.... Catherine immediately said "Yes!" and put on her breath-taking diamond and sapphire engagement ring.

Alex and Catherine look forward so much to celebrating their union with their beloved friends and family in May 2026! (Alex is especially looking forward to unveiling his Groom's Cake, which Catherine agrees is quite a masterpiece of the confectionary arts.)