It all started with a happy accident. I had joined Facebook Dating, curious and hopeful. Tim, on the other hand, had somehow stumbled into it by mistake—but fate clearly had other plans. In January, Tim liked my profile, and I liked his right back. That simple click sparked something special. We began messaging, and after a few exchanges, I suggested we meet for drinks. Tim, ever the gentleman, took it one step further and asked me out on a proper date. We met at Butcher Block Social, and from the moment we sat down, it felt like magic. We talked for hours, completely lost in conversation, not wanting the night to end. It was the kind of first date people dream about. After that night, we couldn’t stop texting. One date turned into many, each one deepening our connection. As Tim prepared for a ski trip to Austria, I asked if we could make things official—boyfriend and girlfriend. Without hesitation, Tim said, “Absolutely!” We took our time introducing each other to our families, letting things unfold naturally. Eventually, Tim introduced me to his boys, and we all went to a Griffins game together. That night, I didn’t just fall for Tim—I fell in love with his boys too. From that moment on, we’ve been inseparable.

It was a day already filled with love—I was officiating a wedding at Frederik Meijer Gardens, and Tim was by my side as my assistant. The gardens were closed to the public for the event, but guests were free to wander through the exhibits. As I stood at the altar guiding another couple into their forever, Tim lingered near the DJ and the coordinator, quietly planning a life-changing moment of his own. He asked the coordinator if the rain forest exhibit was open, explaining that he wanted to propose after the ceremony. She smiled and told him it was the perfect spot—quiet, serene, and tucked away from the crowd. After the wedding, Tim casually suggested we take a walk and explore the rain forest exhibit. I agreed, unaware of what was about to unfold. The space was breathtaking—lush greenery, warm air, and the soothing sound of water echoing around us. When we reached the waterfall, Tim turned to me with a look I’ll never forget. He said, “This is the happiest I’ve ever been. You make me the happiest man, and I’m so thankful to have you in my life.” Then, with trembling hands and a heart full of love, he dropped to one knee, opened the ring box—and the ring popped out, bouncing straight into the dirt. We both gasped, laughed, and watched as he brushed it off with care. He gently slid it onto my finger, and I was so overwhelmed I couldn’t even stand. I fell to my knees with him, tears streaming down my face, and said yes.