Cooper and I attended the same elementary, middle, and high school together. Even though we both knew of the other, we never had a class together and didn’t hang out with the same people (I was a nerd and he was totally popular). We both graduated and went our separate ways to college, Cooper to Georgia State in the city and me to the University of North Georgia in the mountains. During my last year of college, I went on a fraternity formal trip with a friend from Georgia State to Biloxi, Mississippi. I knew Cooper was in the same fraternity as my friend, but I didn’t think much of it. Turns out he was also on the trip and we were surprisingly drawn to each other! We had a long conversation in the pool and used the time to catch up. Unfortunately, we were both fresh out of other relationships and neither of us was ready to jump into another. So, we left the trip and nothing came of it. Fast forward six months and I am out downtown in Atlanta with friends and who do I see? Cooper! We quickly picked up where we left off and the connection was undeniable! From then on out we were inseparable. Since then we have survived me graduating nursing school, started our first jobs, traveled the world, become parents to the best fur babies, and bought a house together. There was a point in my life where if you would have told me I would end up with Cooper Powell I would have told you that you were crazy. Now, I couldn’t imagine life without Cooper in it!

Our trip to the Amalfi coast was one that Cooper’s family had been planning for a really long time. His amazing parents were so generous to let us tag along on their adventures over the years and we were all very excited to be on our way to Italy this time around! Our trip took us to Rome, Umbria for a family wedding, and finally to Ravello on the Amalfi coast. The day Cooper proposed, we had been travelling all day only to arrive at the most beautiful place and hotel I have ever been to, Palazzo Avino. After settling in, we decided to get dressed for dinner and get some drinks beforehand. As we ordered our usual dirty martinis, Cooper’s family mentioned going down to the terrace to have drinks and a view! The terrace overlooked the water and was lit up by the small city’s twinkling lights. Cooper and I walked to over to the edge to get a better view and he pointed to my left saying “Look over there!”. Me, being completely gullible, looked and then turned around to ask him what I was looking for and saw him down on one knee! My hand went straight to my mouth and my tears welled up in my eyes. He explained that he had planned to have a table set up with candles, but it hadn’t worked out and he couldn’t wait any longer (he had been waiting the entire trip for this moment!). He told me he loved me and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and of course I said YES! Little did I know that wasn’t the last surprise he had in store! Cooper booked a “flytographer” to capture our engagement photos two days later at the hotel! I can’t imagine a more perfect proposal and I know I will never forget that moment!