John and I are engaged to be married. Separately, we've done a lot of living before we met. We've both been married previously, had children and grew as people individually.

We met in somewhat unusual circumstances that involves a ruben sandwich, a childhood friend and a trip to Whidbey Island. Through John's persistent chasing our discovery of each other was extremely entertaining.

Not being naive to what being in a relationship was we discovered we had a lot likes in common. We've watched a lot of the same strange movies, our individual OCD tendencies complimented each other and we genuinely like each other's company. But more importantly, we discovered we "hated" a lot of the same things. Which can be more important to a relationship. Sharing the same views on politics, religion, health issues, daily routines, bad television, music - whatever you can think of. It's important to be on the same page with things that are really important to you.

John & I know we're different. We know we have a quirky sense humor. We've embraced it and we hate everything together. Since we have a laser here at our home studio, we created an engagement prop that suits us. (We'll have them for sale for those couples out there who share our sense of humor later this week.)

Lasers & love - Thea

John Bronleewe & Thea Starr #realengagementphoto