and so the adventure begins

In early November 2016, our profiles indicated a 98% match on not just one, but two online dating interfaces. After a few weeks of conversation, we scheduled our first date at a downtown Madison coffee bar. We had a few butterflies, but were very excited to meet one another. After a few sips of coffee and chai, we quickly relaxed and chatted for the next few hours. We concluded the evening with a delicious shared plate dinner on the Square and made plans for our second date!

We planned a sunrise hike at one of our frequented outdoor destinations, Devil's Lake State Park. After arriving to the park around 4:30 AM we started our ascent up the West Bluff trail. The usually bustling path was serene and peaceful. The elevation flattened just as the first light filtered through the autumn foliage. We sat quietly on the rocky outcropping at the top of the trail; chatting occasionally with a hint of nervous anticipation. We watched the sun as it slowly peaked over the East Bluff and illuminated the lake below us. We stood, facing one another. Michael knelt, presented a ring (inserted an "Office" reference) and proposed. We spent the remainder of the day enjoying the autumn weather and celebrated with brunch at a small cafe adjacent to the park.