Shortly after I moved back to Virginia, Dan and I met up and spent HOURS catching up! We both went home with sunburns on our knee caps and shoulders (this is when Dan learned to put your aloe in the fridge and I was instantly a genius to him). Many of our friends will argue that this was our first date because Dan suggested a beautiful park with food (kind of like a picnic) but, respectfully, we disagree. It was just two friends catching up after years of not being in touch! When we left the park we had made plans to go for a hike a few weeks later, and Dan planned to take me on a hike to see waterfalls because I had never seen waterfalls. Growing up in the Finger Lakes region of New York with waterfalls at every turn, Dan couldn’t let that stand, so off we went! Looking back, we agree that this was our first date but, we didn’t know it was a date at the time. At the end of this hike, we planned another hike for a few weeks later. This hike...oh my gosh...as we are driving up to enter the park, mid conversation, Dan looks at me and says “You know I like you, right?”. I WAS SPEECHLESS. Because, no, I had no idea. What was I supposed to say? I could say no and he could push me off the mountain and say I tripped (we all know he would never do that). And truthfully, I hadn’t quite admitted to myself that I liked Dan. But, I finally told him that I liked him! What’s not to like?! We started “officially” dating shortly after that and have been inseparable ever since!

Now, for all the details I’m sure everyone wants to know- our engagement! Dan had secretly been plotting with our dear friends Carmen and Mike on how he was going to propose for months! He had a few different ideas but, if you were paying attention to a common theme above, we love to hike. He couldn’t think of a better way to propose then doing our favorite thing! So, we planned to go on a hike with Carmen and Mike because, why not? I was so excited to go! It is one of my favorite spots and we were going with friends! We got to the top and it could not have been a better day: clear blue skies, perfect temperature, and sunshine. We were taking a picture (or so I thought), when Dan casually said “Yay, last one ever!” Now, imagine being in my shoes as he says “last one ever” and we are VERY high upon a cliff. My initial thought was “Is now when you are pushing me off the mountain?”. And then came his response, “As my girlfriend”. It still hadn’t clicked with me what was going on until I realized he was fumbling with his pocket and was starting to get down on one knee. The water works started. It is still such a surreal moment to think about! Of course I said yes; twice, though, because Dan didn’t hear it the first time (typical guy...).