Our mutual friend, Jennifer Jane, casually introduced us and we met up for dinner at Red’s Chinese with Meg and Kerry. Dinner and conversation went well, but neither one of us felt a spark. It wasn’t until a full month later, Friday December 27, that we both felt the *spark*. Austin was working the front door at Allways, and Tallulah arrived with Jennifer Jane and Alita. Later that night, both of us messaged one another at the same time and from that moment, it was an incredible and tender courtship.

Austin and I were traveling last year, our first stop in Asheville, NC. On May 20, we drove up to Graveyard Falls, waaaaaaaaaaay out in the middle of a state park, in order to hike and see the many natural waterfalls. We made it all the way down to the river and up to the falls. Beautiful! Traveling back and feeling adventurous, we decided to take an alternate path. After losing what we thought was the trail, crossing the river and traversing back, I was getting very uneasy about the lack of an established trail and the setting sun. To add to my anxiety, we hadn’t see anyone else walking for what felt like ages. After voicing my panic, I convinced Austin for us to turn around to get back to the main trail. On our return, part of the trail was a wooden deck to assist with the uneven terrain. It was there on the wooden path where we saw a set of foot prints, wet and fresh, going in the opposite direction. Full blown panic set in and I was convinced that we were being followed, possibly hunted, by hill people and I started to run, Austin trailing behind. After a time of speed walking and jogging, we FINALLY met up with people on the main trail and made the long hike back to the trailhead and parking lot. Before I even got to the car, Austin asked if they could take my picture overlooking the mountains. Y’all, I was extremely grumpy and tired and did not want my picture taken. Austin came over to where I was standing and instead of pulling the camera out their fanny pack, it was a small box, “what I wanted to ask is, if you would marry me.” I immediately asked, “Are you serious?” And then, “yes!” It was an incredible moment and a day I’ll always cherish, hill people and all.

Tallulah & I both want to be treated like princesses. Thus, we both wanted to be proposed to. After I proposed in May, I had no idea what to expect or when. For her birthday in 2021, we’d been inviting friends to come play queer bingo at Capulet where our friend Siren would be hosting & performing. Several close friends showed up, & I remember it being a very joyful, fun night. For Siren’s last number, she performed ABBA’s “Lay All Your Love On Me.” I noticed Tallulah was being particularly affectionate & smiley during the song, but I was like, “ok?! She’s feelin’ it!!” After the number, Siren came over to our table to announce that it was Tallulah’s birthday. Someone else at Capulet yelled from the rafters “IT’S MY BIRTHDAY TOOOOO!” Then ran down the stairs to introduce herself to Tallulah. Our friend Logan coaxed her away with promises of more alcohol. Siren passed the mic to Tallulah, who is NOT a public speaker. As she stood next to me, I was very confused but delighted by what was happening. She was starting to cry, then she turned to me & said “you’re a lifetime of birthday wishes come true.” Our friend Meg passed Tallulah a small box. She opened it to reveal a ring & asked “will you marry me?” I of course said “YES!” It was the sweetest, most surprising surprise I’ve ever received. I was so happy & felt so loved.