10.10.26

Alex and Dale met through their mutual friend, Bailey, while Dale was studying at Drexel University. From the moment Alex met him, she thought he was so cute and completely her type. Dale, however, had sworn off dating and was “avoiding women” altogether. Whenever Alex would visit Bailey at Drexel, they would attend the school’s ice hockey games with a group of friends. Dale always offered to walk her to and from the rink, and soon the two were talking nonstop—Snapchatting all day and all night. After months of hanging out and endless conversation, Alex finally asked Bailey if he thought Dale was ever going to get it together and ask her out. Bailey’s honest response? “I don’t think he’s that into you—you should probably move on.” Taking his advice, Alex stopped replying to Dale’s Snapchats. Within two days, Dale noticed—and started asking Bailey why Alex had suddenly disappeared. With a little encouragement from Shannon (Alex’s cousin and Bailey’s girlfriend), Alex decided to give Dale another chance. Shortly after, Dale finally asked her on a date. Their first date was perfectly them: Chick-fil-A and A Christmas Story in Alex’s parents’ basement (with Alex's parents kindly making themselves scarce so Alex could nervously overthink in peace). From that night on, they both knew they had found their person—and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Only two dates and a few days later, Dale asked Alex to be his girlfriend. Alex was admittedly a bit of a nudge in the years that followed, constantly asking Dale when he was going to be ready to get married. His response was always the same: “Just trust me on this!” and a reminder to be patient. Finally, on their fifth anniversary, Dale proposed in the most beautiful and heartfelt way—at the quiet fishing spot where his grandfather used to take him as a kid. Now, years later, they can’t wait to celebrate forever with all of their favorite people!