The couple
Hillary grew up in Lake Forest Park, WA in a loving family with days full of soccer, rowing, and activities at University Congregational United Church of Christ. Right now, Hillary is finishing her second year of a Master in Public Administration at the University of Washington (June 2022 graduation) and loving life with Livio and Ollie.
Livio was born in the Dominican Republic and grew up in New York, New Jersey, and Arizona, while enjoying many family road trips over the years. He moved to Seattle in 2014 to work in tech, but now he is pursuing a Law Degree from Seattle University (May 2022 graduation).
The Beginning
Hillary and Livio met on a dating app in 2018 and immediately connected over social justice values, their love of traveling, and their shared life goals. They had some great first dates: meeting for the first time at SuperSix, eating a tasty picnic while canoeing on Lake Washington, and walking around the Arboretum after a delicious dinner from Aglio y Olio. One day Livio texted “By the way, Hillary, I don’t think I’ve made this clear yet, but I really like you”, Hillary responded “I really like you too, Livio.” And the rest is history…here are some highlights!
The Adventures
One of Hillary and Livio’s first traveling adventures was a day trip to Ocean Shores without phones! Navigating by maps and having a blast was a sure sign there would be may fun times to come. Other travel highlights include camping, trips to Arizona and the East Coast to see family, a train ride to San Francisco and back, a tropical cruise with Livio’s family, and New Zealand with Hillary’s family. During the pandemic they’ve taken public-health-safe trips to Gamble Bay, Ocean Shores, the San Juan Islands, Lake Coeur d’Alene, and a few campsites. Their loving dog Ollie joined the household in 2019 and especially likes when her parents snuggle with her on the couch and give her lots of pets and fun chew toys.
The Proposal
Livio planned a sweet and sentimental proposal that was a callback to his favorite canoe picnic date (planned by Hillary). On June 17, 2020 Livio surprised Hillary with flowers after work (at home) and led her to a beautiful spot by the water in Magnuson Park. They had a picnic and Livio reminisced about all of their great memories and the life they were building together. Finally, he took her to the water’s edge and told her that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Before he had the chance to ask the question, Hillary was tearing up with excitement. When Livio asked if Hillary would marry him, she said, “Yes, of course!”
The (long) Engagement
Livio & Hillary’s relationship has grown even stronger during the pandemic. The last year and a half have been full of school, cooking and baking adventures, zoom calls with loved ones, walks with Ollie, and Hillary’s favorite food group: Tillamook Sharp Cheddar Cheese.
Their shared values, including family, faith, community, social justice, volunteering, and radical acceptance are a strong foundation for a life-long partnership!
