How did your love story begin?

Our love story kicked off on March 7, 2020. Fresh off a divorce after 18 years of marriage, I took a chance on a dating site. When I saw Rachel’s photos, I couldn’t believe she was real—she was the most stunning woman I’d ever seen. She asked me out, but I hesitated, nerves getting the better of me. My brother pushed me to go for it. When I got to the restaurant, there she was at the door, greeting me with a hug and taking my hand to guide me to our table. In that moment, I knew I was in love.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

Picking a favorite memory with Rachel is tough—we’ve shared so many incredible moments. But our engagement stands out. After retiring from the USCG, I used my connections to get the key to Portland Head Light in Maine. We planned a trip to Portland on a gorgeous September day, but when we arrived, it was cloudy and foggy. Still, we climbed to the top of the lighthouse, taking in the sound of waves crashing against the rocks below. That’s when I proposed, making it a moment we’ll never forget.

What would you do with $20,000?

Rachel and I would book a getaway to North Conway, New Hampshire, it offers a perfect semi-local escape from the Portland area (about a 1.5-hour drive). North Conway’s White Mountains setting, with its rustic cabins and proximity to nature, aligns beautifully with our story of proposing at Portland Head Light.