What began as a boat ride with great friends quickly grew into something neither of us expected, but both of us hoped for. Vivian and Logan met through Abby and Alex, professional matchmakers (little did they know), who each knew us from different chapters of life. Vivian went to West Virginia University with Abby and Alex, while Logan survived St. Mary’s High School with Alex.

One summer day, they invited the two of us, along with a great group of friends, out for a ride on Alex’s beloved bay boat, Big Nauti, a deadrise whose name alone should’ve warned us that something life-changing was coming.

Our first official date followed at McGarvey’s Saloon in Annapolis, Logan’s all-time favorite restaurant and bar. Oysters (for Logan), drinks, and the kind of conversation that felt both easy and exciting made for a night we both quietly knew was the beginning of something big.

Now, if you ask Logan, he’ll say it was the perfect spot: great food, good drinks, classic Annapolis charm. If you ask Vivian, she’ll tell you the real reason: it’s not just his favorite bar; Logan was absolutely, strategically trying to get himself a plaque on the McGarvey’s wall right next to his father’s. You see, McGarvey’s gives couples a plaque if they get married after meeting or having their first date there. So yes, it’s entirely possible he was playing the long game.

So began our undercover dating era. We thought we were subtle. We thought we were smooth. We thought we were getting away with it. But then one summer afternoon, fate and poor nautical timing intervened. Out on the bay, our boat crossed paths with Abby and Alex’s at precisely the wrong moment. There we were, side by side on the water, looking extremely not “just friends.” The look on their faces said it all. Our cover? Blown. Completely.

What happened next was everything we didn’t know we were waiting for. From that day forward, life together just felt easy, full of laughter, inside jokes, adventures, lots of boating with great friends, and the kind of steady support that makes every dream feel possible.

Somewhere along the way, that support turned into something even bigger. Logan built Simpson Marine Services from the ground up, pouring his passion for boating into a company he’s incredibly proud of. And naturally, Vivian jumped right in, helping him grow it, cheering him on, and becoming an essential part of the adventure (even if she didn’t expect a side career in marketing/bookkeeping, and occasionally even a "technician", or "helper monkey" as Logan calls it).

Now, here we are, six years after that fateful boat ride, ready to celebrate the next chapter. Surrounded by the friends who unknowingly sparked it all, the family who supported us every step of the way, and the love that keeps pushing us forward.

We can’t wait to share this day and the rest of our story with you. <3