We met at a bible study held at Christ's Church. I (Ariana) was still new to the bible study, and on that day Stephen had come for the first time in what had been a while. They did the introductions around the room and when they had gotten to Stephen, he had mentioned he had been taking latin ballroom dance classes. We began talking in the middle of introductions about our mutual hobbies. ( I now looking back realize how awkward and embarrassing that was.) What Stephen didn't know at the time was that I almost did not go to church that day. I was tired from school and had gotten home late. I remember looking at the clock and getting this overwhelming feeling that I needed to go, so I did and it was the best decision. Stephen later admits to me that he felt a similar feeling as well and that he had been praying for me. He asked me to be his girlfriend on Cinco de Mayo and the rest is history.

This day was the most magical day. A week before the corona virus hit, Stephen had planned this romantic and elaborate engagement. Stephen had driven me blind folded to a Publix parking lot at 6 in the morning. I think were going on a date we had to reschedule a few weeks prior. He uncovers the blind fold and I have no idea whats happening or why a random lady is taking my picture. I then am taken into the back of the crews truck where I'm signing consent forms for a hot air balloon ride. From here they drive us to a field where they set up the balloon for launch. And then the magic begins. We fly over Saint Augustine as the sun is rising. Everything is quiet and breathtaking. The crew followed the balloon with their truck to help us when it was time to land. As we flew, they kept having me read signs from the ground, that at the time I didn't understand why. We fly over the interstate where I see the crew and on the top of their truck was a sign that read "Ariana, will you marry me". I said yes of course, or else you wouldn't be reading this. It was the most beautiful and magical day of my life, I felt like a princess. We landed and the crew celebrated our engagement with a bottle of champagne. We went to Maple Street Biscuit Company for breakfast and enjoyed an engagement dinner later that night with my family.