Rachel Scott, an Emmy-winning White House correspondent, and Elliott Smith, an administrator at Yale University, have a love story that began in a serendipitous meeting at a brewery in May 2019. This dimly lit, laughter-filled place became the setting where two people, initially planning for just a brief stay, found something much more lasting.
That Saturday evening, Elliott and his friend Jose were at their regular spot, experimenting with new adventures. Elliott had even set a timer, intending to explore new places. Meanwhile, Rachel was at the brewery for a friend’s going-away party with plans to leave early due to her obligations at the White House the next day. However, destiny had other plans.
Elliott, surprised to find more than just beer at the brewery, caught Rachel’s eye as she sought a glass of wine. Their brief interaction soon turned into an engaging conversation, so engrossing that Elliott ignored his timer, choosing instead to savor the moment with Rachel. As the hours flew by, Jose recognized the connection and remarked to Elliott, “She’s the one.” Rachel, equally enchanted, texted her friends, expressing hope of dating someone like Elliott.
Fast forward six years, the couple is now happily married, returning to the familiar brewery where it all started as a reminder of their journey. In 2023, during a family trip to Italy, Elliott sought and received Rachel’s father’s blessing for marriage. Meticulously planning the proposal, Elliott enlisted Rachel’s closest friends to assist with the preparations in Dana Point, California.
On a picturesque December evening in 2023, Elliott proposed at the Waldorf Astoria, by a gazebo with a breathtaking view of the sunset over the water. Rachel, taken by surprise, initially thought the proposal was meant for someone else. Her family and friends had successfully orchestrated a grand surprise, culminating in an engagement party filled with loved ones later that night.
Rachel and Elliott’s love story is a testament to unexpected encounters blossoming into a lifetime of shared moments. Their journey from a chance meeting at a local brewery to lifelong partners is a heartwarming reminder of the beauty of serendipity.