Dani and Dillon’s story began in Fall 2013 on the lawn at Moosilauke Ravine Lodge, where all Dartmouth First-Year Trips convene for a night of ice-breaker games, goofy dancing, and spontaneous singing—a fitting start for their lifelong adventure together. When the Hiking 3 Trip arrived at the Lodge, a girl wearing a blue Buff headband caught Dillon’s eye immediately, and despite both being covered in mud, he mustered up the courage to go sit down in the grass next to her. After meeting and getting lost in conversation (so much so they almost missed dinner!) Dani and Dillon’s friendship quickly became something special. Though there was always a comically obvious spark, college was spent as best friends, sharing endless meals, pong, and general shenanigans with their close-knit crew.

After college, life took them to opposite coasts: Dillon to New York and Dani to San Francisco. Visits and friendship kept the connection close, but everything changed when Dillon came to the Bay Area for a job interview—and let slip how he really felt. Luckily, Dani felt the same way! Finally living in the same city again, their first official date at Outerlands in The Sunset came just two weeks before the world shifted into pandemic lockdown. While unexpected and at times challenging, that chapter helped put their relationship into hyperdrive, and they found joy in mountain trails, beachside poke burritos, movie marathons, and city bike rides.

When Dani started her MBA, a year of long distance felt easy thanks to their partnership, frequent reunions for weddings, and cozy Ann Arbor date nights. The real joy came when Dillon decided to pursue his MBA at Michigan as well, making Ann Arbor their first true home together. Between homemade feasts, late-night study sessions, and spontaneous travels, their bond only grew. On Dillon’s 30th birthday, he proposed in the Marin Headlands where their love truly took root. Now, they’re thrilled to celebrate among California’s hills and coast with all the loved ones who’ve cheered them on from the beginning. 

Check out the photos below for snapshots of their ~12 years of laughter together, including Dani’s 18th birthday party, post-MBA Euro travels, and everything in between!