We met online through Bumble back in 2016. Our first date was at The Post in Lafayette, which happens to be down the street from the home we bought together last summer. We dated on two separate occasions with a two year break in between. During that break, we reconnected after Dirk broke his toe mountain biking and he asked for some orthopedic advice. As friends, we started talking more and went on several group ski trips. We eventually discovered (with encouragement from friends and family) that we both still had romantic feelings for each other. We went on our second "first date" in May 2019 and the rest is history!

We planned a trip to New Orleans for Dirk's 40th birthday with Debbie and Bruce. It was Alanda's first time visiting, so she was easily distracted by the allure and sights of The Big Easy. On the second night, we dressed up for Dirk's birthday dinner at Commander's Palace. After dinner, we walked to Jackson Square and the Mississippi River. We found a bench along the river, and quickly after sitting down Dirk got on one knee to pop the question. Alanda wasn't sure how to answer, but Dirk was very persuasive with his offer to pay the remaining balance of her student debt...haha JUST KIDDING! Of course, Alanda immediately said yes!