Granite Ridge Couple: Barbara & Mark Bringing The Love From San Diego

You know when you chat with someone, and instantly realize that they are 1000 times cooler than you'll ever be? Meet Mark and Barbara - lovingly known as Barbie. They are are an incredible couple that clearly have a connection that is next level, and we are so excited to host them this year at Granite Ridge.

Tell me a little about you and your fiancé

"Mark is smart, witty and strong.  He loves deeply and has a gentle heart beneath his strong exterior.  I am adventurous and driven.  Mark is one of the truly best people I know. He makes me feel strong, like I can do anything I set my mind to without feeling suffocated or 'tied down'. I always know he is in it for the long haul and up for all my crazy adventures. He is patient with me but always honest, telling me things I don't always want to hear but never have to wonder about truthfulness. This helps me feel even more secure about how much he loves me, and makes me love him that much more. He always tries hard to make me happy by making me laugh.  And he puts me first in things that really matter. He tries to make sure he is carrying half the weight by doing dishes, fixing my car, etc. which I also find super important and we share life goals making me feel secure about our future together. We both love animals and have fostered over 30 foster dogs volunteering for a pit bull rescue.  We enjoy taking weekend trips and taking our pups places.  We like go to the shooting range, try new restaurants, go to adoption events/volunteer at animal shelters/rescue, and work on house projects." As I said, this pair is truly special.

How did you two meet?

"I met Mark in North Park (San Diego) at a local bar in August of 2012... I can't remember the name. Actually, the truth of that is that's where we first met in person. Its funny because I had just moved to San Diego from Boston, and started a dating site to start meeting people. I had gone on a couple dates but wasn't really into anyone, so I pulled off all my pictures and thought for sure I wouldn't get any interest. I was going to focus on me and graduate school. It was a couple days later I got a message from Mark who actually read my profile and asked about Boston, because he is originally from Maine. I was super impressed that he was not shallow and it really mattered who his potential partner is. I was still on my... "I'm focusing on me and not dating" so we chatted through instant messenger for a few weeks. Everything was easy, he made me laugh, he knew how to spell (which you would be surprised) and seemed quite intelligent. So, finally I broke down to meet him. When meeting him in person, he was so easy to talk to and I remember thinking, he reminded me so much of the Boston I love. Straight up, honest to a fault, loyal and fun."

How did you two get engaged?

"Well, we 'officially' got engaged at a dog park overlook (little grassy knoll) in San Diego where we frequented often. He was so nervous it was adorable, and I was too... I literally had to use the public restrooms which I NEVER use. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. But, I think the better story when he surprised me with wedding ring shopping. We were headed out to the mall to look for Christmas gifts as it was mid November, and we were on our way home and he put in a location to his phone. I kept thinking, "Why do you need to GPS anything? We have lived in this area for 3 years!" And he pulled into the Jared's parking lot and I just turn to look at him and start balling! I was like..."Are you?" and thats all I could get out. And he said "Yep!" He had setup the whole thing, called the shop to have an appointment with them to go through types of rings and diamonds. Had asked my dad and everything. Come to find out, he actually scheduled it for the week before but I had so much homework to do I canceled our shopping plans! But he took it in stride as per norm of Mark!" I mean, how amazing does this guy sound?

What vision do you have for your wedding?

"Super fun and laid back wedding where family and friends can get together and enjoy.  I know the setting is absolutely beautiful and hope our wedding ceremony can match that.  I want people to walk away with what a beautiful fun wedding."

What vendors are you excited about working with?

"Maria Northcott with A Sweet Start has been amazing!  She will be our officiant and she is so sweet and genuine.  I think she is going to make our ceremony unforgettable!  I'm also super excited about the photographer Jordan Luciano with Anne Skidmore photography.  I absolutely LOVE all of her stuff & can’t wait to see how our photos turn out.  As well as Dorene Vail with Dorene’s Creative Cakes.  She is so talented and so nice."

Why did you choose Granite Ridge?

"We chose Granite Ridge for a few reasons.  Obviously, the venue is absolutely stunning.  The barn is beautiful with an amazing backdrop and has a great outdoor ceremony spot.  Granite Ridge also offers staying on-site, which is perfect for use being out of state.  We have plenty of time to setup for the wedding and don’t have to rush to finish it.  We can simply enjoy our time together and not have to worry about it.  Lastly, Micki is so warm and inviting.  She welcomed us and talked us through all the details when we were looking at a few places.  She has been so great, and goes out of her way to make us feel at home and like it is really "our" day."

Photo Credits: Kelly Wednt Photography & SimplyRustic Photography