RT and Allyson met playing volleyball at Tom Brown Park in Tallahassee. Every Sunday, they'd join others for pick up games, and RT introduced himself while standing in the sand. Of course Allyson thought he said "Artie" and he didn't correct her. Later, when Allyson found out it was "RT" she asked him what it stood for. In case you don't know, it stands for "Really Tough". After playing weekly volleyball games for half a year and a few dinners with mutual friends, Allyson invited RT to her 30th birthday(s). RT happily joined for sushi on her actual birthday during the week and got another invite to join for her weekend celebration with friends. He was a perfect gentleman buying her flaming (yes actually on fire) bday sushi and then driving Allyson and two of her friends home after the celebration. That evening RT was surpised into a midnight birthday dance party at Allyson's apartment with her 2 girlfriends. Despite his discomfort in dancing he left with her phone number that night and the rest is history!

RT looked at Allyson one Sunday afternoon and knew when she smiled at him, it was time! He asked her if she wanted to go for a walk. Allyson agreed and they headed out to the trail near RT's place. But first, RT had to put on some nice work pants. Allyson wondered why he just changed into slacks when they were about to go for a walk. He said he was trying them on for tomorrow- RT has done some things that don't make sense to Allyson before so she just shrugged it off. In reality RT was trying find his pair of pants with the biggest pockets in which to hide an engagement ring. His first plan didn't work out as the box was clearly visible, so he grabbed a jacket too under the pretense that it had been cold lately. However, on that particular day it was not very cold at all. They walked through the park and around the pond, Allyson talking and RT unable to get a word in. Eventually the sun had set and they needed to turn back on the unlit path. RT pulled Allyson towards a park light and asked, "Before we go back can we come over here for a second?" Allyson took one confused step and it hit her that he was about to propose. In utter shock she stepped forward to see RT on one knee with a ring. He told her how much he loved her and popped the question! After sweating in panic in the previous moment Allyson let him do the same for a quick second before she kissed him and said "Yea! Let's do this!" They hugged and kissed and noted RT's perspiration from continuing to wear his jacket in the warm weather... or was it nerves? Photos by Jessica Dunlap