Clear Cut Couples: Lizzy and Tom
The story of Lizzy and Tom began during Restaurant Week in San Francisco, when Tom sent her a message on Instagram that simply said: ‘It’s Restaurant Week—what restaurants are we going to?’
Even though Lizzy was leaving for a long trip just two days later, something in her knew that she had to say yes (because of how bold his DM was!). So they went on their very first date the next day.
Tom took her to an Italian restaurant...one that, by fate, now sits in the neighborhood they call home! But when they arrived, the wait was nearly 90 minutes. Not wanting Lizzy to grow hangry, he took her to a cozy seafood bar to hold her over while they waited. They became so lost in conversation, in laughter, in simply being together, that they missed the original reservation entirely. And yet, it already felt perfect.
When Lizzy returned from her trip, it was just in time for her birthday. Tom surprised her by cooking Linguine alle Vongole which was her very favorite dish. She remembers watching him in the kitchen, seeing the care and love through every detail, and feeling a spark in her heart. The rest is history. They have been together for over 2.5 years!
One of their biggest adventures together was traveling to Japan. They rented out a karaoke room and sang their hearts out, soaked in traditional onsens, and ate their way through the fish markets. When they came home, Tom recreated the magic and he cooked a five-course meal of all their favorite dishes from Japan, entirely from scratch. It was one of her favorite dinners ever!!!
Cooking has always been Tom’s love language. Over the years, he’s written down every meal they’ve made together and saved the memories in a mason jar. On Valentine’s Day, he shared it with her and now, whenever they’re out of ideas, they pull from the jar and relive those moments together!
Tom has always loved planning surprises, especially spontaneous weekend road trips. One year, he handed her two notes and told her to pick one: ‘Two hours away near the river’ or ‘Two hours away near vineyards.’ Lizzy chose the river, and he took her glamping. On the way home, a spontaneous detour turned into a full day of ziplining!
Another time, he surprised her with a trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea. He even made her take off her glasses until they reached the exit so that she wouldn’t guess where they were going. That weekend was filled with a spa day, a delicious dinner, and a food tour through town.
Their road trips are always like that...full of detours, singing at the top of their lungs, and stopping at every little food spot they can find.
Tom proposed to her on a completely ordinary Thursday, August 7th. She had just come back from two back-to-back trips, and he told her that he had planned a dinner date. What she didn’t know was that he had to literally message Lizzy’s CEO on LinkedIn and call him to move a pre-scheduled coworker dinner! Lizzy was so clueless that she scrambled to get ready in about ten minutes before they left.
As they drove across the Golden Gate Bridge, Tom suddenly looked at the clock and said, “Shoot, our dinner is at 6:45, not 5:45.” Lizzy—being very hangry—was not amused. He suggested that they walk by the water before dinner, but it was so foggy there wasn’t even a view. She was frustrated, but agreed. They walked out to Cavallo Point, and that’s when he got down on one knee.
Lizzy gasped, tears immediately streaming: “ARE YOU PROPOSING TO ME?! YES, YES, YES!” She completely blacked out and didn’t hear a word he said. She had chills and couldn't stop smiling! She looked down and saw her dream ring, the one that they had looked at several months before at The Clear Cut.
As they walked back, Tom asked, ‘Want to go on a boat?’ Of course, she said yes. When they boarded his parents’ boat, Lizzy’s sister popped out, then her brother, then finally her parents...who had all traveled just to surprise her. Cue even more tears.
They set out on the water, and just as the sun started to peek through the fog, Tom called her to the front of the boat. He told her to look up...and there, waiting on the dock at one of their favorite spots, Sam’s Anchor Café, were all of her childhood friends. BEST SURPRISE EVER. Forty-five of their closest friends and family had gathered, some traveling over 20+ hours to be there.
It was the most magical night... full of food, dancing, laughter, tears, and so much love. Tom gave her the most unforgettable proposal and the best weekend celebrating with her family and friends.
She said, “I was so beyond happy about the ring because I immediately knew when I tried it on at The Clear Cut that it was THE ONE and hadn't stopped thinking about it since the day I put it on my finger. But at the time, Tom had been laid off so I didn't think he was seriously shopping. What made it even more special was that he designed it and got it engraved!”
They are hoping to get married in Portugal—one of their favorite places. Lizzy’s family spends a lot of time there, and it has always been such a special place for them. The vibrant culture, architecture, the incredible food, and the beauty of it all make it the perfect place to celebrate their wedding. Congrats you two! We are SO happy for you!
Photos by: @meganbritt.art