We met in high school (or was it middle school?) and have been close acquaintances with lots of mutual friends for as long as we can remember. We flirted our way as friends, just friends, through college. Finally, during a group trip to Jacksonville in 2015, the timing was right. We decided to date long distance with Amanda working and living in Charleston and Jon in Jacksonville. A year later, Amanda made the move to Jacksonville where we continue to live and work - Jon in finance, Amanda in youth services at a local community center.

You know us - we love any reason to celebrate, especially the holidays! Christmas Eve 2019. Just us two. We had a delicious homecooked meal, watched Christmas movies, and opened presents. As is our tradition, we opened the Christmas stockings last - save the best! At the very bottom of Amanda's stocking there was a small, wrapped jewelry box. Was this the moment? The moment they'd both been waiting for? Inside the box was a pair of very pretty earrings... very nice! Not the moment.... But wait, there's more! Jon had one more present that he had "forgotten" about. It was a gift for our chocolate Labrador puppy (at the time), Moseley. Inside the box was a dog collar that said, "Mommy, daddy has a question...". Without missing a beat, Jon reached into the tree, pulled out an ornament, got down on one knee and opened the ornament to reveal a stunning diamond ring! Of course, you know what happens next... :)