Ciaran and Dana met in the Fall of 2009, in an exercise physiology lab at the University of Alberta. There were only 10 students in the class, so it was easy to get to know everyone’s names. Dana remembers sitting in the front, with friends, while Ciaran sat at the back, with his friends.

Dana was attracted to his easy-going but still studious, nature and his ability to make people laugh. She saw Ciaran every week in class and tried to figure out how the two could start talking!

Looking back, Dana laughs at how ridiculous the first hangout after class with a group was – she was trying to connect with Ciaran, but he was always involved in other conversations! They talked for a few minutes, but nothing major. Behind the scenes, one of their mutual friends was working her magic to encourage Ciaran to ask Dana to hang out!

It worked. A few days later, Ciaran asked Dana to study together in the library and she was thrilled. Not much studying was done – but the pair had an amazing time talking instead. A few days later, lead to another date, without the guise of studying! ;)

Dana and Ciaran have been together over seven years now! Last August, while visiting Dana’s parents in Richmond, Ciaran proposed on the boardwalk in Steveston. I’m really looking forward to being their wedding photographer in July!