We met the way couples normally do these days – we both swiped right! At the time we matched, we both worked for competing boat manufacturers which made for a fun conversation starter. Conversation flowed easily and we were excited to meet each other relatively quickly. After about a week of texting, we had our first date on November 23, 2019 at Strikes and Spares in Mishawaka with some of Jeff’s friends and brother, Michael. It was a fun evening of bowling and putt-putt golf. Natalie won in bowling and we tied for first at putt-putt. We both look back on that night and agree the real win was meeting each other and hitting the love jackpot.

We took a trip to Jupiter, Florida the week of Thanksgiving for vacation and stayed with Natalie’s Aunt Deb and Uncle Stu. On November 23rd, the one-year anniversary of the day we met, we took a trip with Deb to Vero Beach to visit her store, Decorative Arts. The plan was to meet up with some of Deb’s friends later in the day for cocktail hour at the store. (Unknowingly to Natalie, Jeff had told Deb at lunch he wanted to propose that night at the beach.) We briefly drank White Claws at the store with some of the girls, but then Deb said it was time to leave. Stu had gotten off work early and the four of us were all going to head to the beach in Jupiter before it got dark. Natalie didn’t think anything of the change in plans, but Jeff knew Deb was putting his proposal plans to work. When we got back to Deb and Stu’s house, Jeff said we would drive separately to the beach and Deb and Stu would meet us there. (Natalie was a little confused… should she change outfits? No. Should we wait and all just ride together? Also, no.) We got to the beach just in time for a beautiful sunset. We didn’t walk very far before Jeff started saying very sweet things and got down on one knee to propose. Natalie said “yes!” and the rest is a blur of kissing and tears… after more kissing and tears, Natalie looked to the left and realized Deb and Stu were there and had videoed the whole proposal. Natalie was shocked and so, so, so happy. They brought champagne, a blanket and their dog Brooks, and we all celebrated together on the beach. Looking back at that night is the most exciting moment to date, and we could not be more thrilled and ready to get married September 11, 2021!