Why when Pigs Fly? 

Cynthia and Howard stumbled together against all odds and both found a love that they weren't sure was in the cards for either of them. 

Howard held a deep conviction that he was never ever, ever...ever going to get married. It was not for him and he didn't believe there was someone in the world who could change his mind.

Cynthia had determined she would never settle for someone who wasn't everything that she wanted in a partner and she had a list of what she was looking for…. She wasn't sure she was ever going to meet that person.

The chances that either of these two arrived at this date were slim and some could even say it was as likely as pigs flying. All of that changed on February 16, 2013, which incidentally is Cynthia parent’s wedding anniversary.

The Meeting

Cynthia and Howard shared mutual friends but hadn't met or even heard of each other. Cynthia had recently decided to accept all invitations to events as an opportunity to get out in the world and maybe, just maybe meet someone.

Howard was recently single and trying to recalibrate. That morning Howard had broken his left-hand at the base of his ring finger. He suggested that it was a sign that marriage was not in the cards. Despite the discomfort and the incredibly awkward cast he ventured out anyway.

In the first meeting it was clear that there was a connection, but just as friends. Cynthia thought Howard was dating someone else and Howard thought Cynthia wanted his help in meeting a bearded hipster.

After months of periodically crossing paths, their friendship evolved into a regular exchange of snarky banter through literally thousands of texts messages and emails.

They had their first date on May 4th and Cynthia promptly asked Howard if he was gay. He was not, and they haven't been apart since.

Cynthia and Howard had decided they were going to get married. He had checked in with Cynthia's parents and her grandmother generously provided the diamond from her wedding ring. They had gone together to select the ring and then the waiting game began.

Cynthia made jokes about when she would finally wear the ring on her finger.

Howard schemed.

There were jokes about Cynthia wanting a marching band, a scavenger hunt, Sammy the Banana Slug, and a flash mob.

Howard schemed.

Howard investigated many options including the marching band. He found a number of locations as possibilities but none of them felt quite right. He had also been thinking hard about something that felt more natural to him and Cynthia.

Finally, Howard decided on a date to do the deed. Cynthia had chosen November 20th for a dance lesson and he hatched a plan to follow up that dance lesson with the moment.

Howard schemed.

Cynthia made dinner plans for them that night and Howard pretended he wasn't in control of the evening, just along for the ride.

At 7 pm at the appointed time Cynthia and Howard walked down Pacific Avenue (a main street of Santa Cruz) and happened upon a band playing one of their favorite songs. Cynthia recorded a video of it to share “How cool Santa Cruz is” with others. Little did she know Howard had arranged for them to be there. As Cynthia began to move away to head to dinner Howard stopped her. The band started playing "Don't Stop Believing" which is one of Cynthia's all time favorite songs.  

Without saying a word, Howard began handing Cynthia post-it notes with the words of his proposal on them. Those words had been sent to her throughout the previous week.

Watch the video here.