Okay, so Oregonian John Richards didn’t exactly INTEND to pick up women, but pick up one he did…Iowan Michelle Peterson, who he’ll marry this coming Saturday in Portland.

As John says, “When I met her, it was a disaster, a complete disaster.” That disaster was Hurricane Katrina, and they met while volunteering for the American Red Cross.

It’s a sweet story, told here by Oregonian columnist Margie Boule. Having worked a disaster response, I can say that there’s not much time for romance, but there certainly are incredible, life-long bonds that are formed. This story doesn’t surprise me, but it’s poignant nonetheless!