Just like in the movies, our first meeting was serendipitous. If you've ever seen a dog pulling its owner down a hill, directly into someone, then you have seen our first moments together. It was a flirty and modest introduction. Though we met in early August, we had our first date on day one of October. That date was perfect. And we have had so many adventurous dates since! But the one we look forward to the most is our wedding day. Thank you for supporting us as we celebrate our union and our happiness together. Cheers!

Once Mason secured the ring, he realized the perfect place to pop the question would be his mother's and stepfather's lake house. Mason and Candace traveled to the lake house on a weekend they'd have it to themselves, Candace having no idea what lay in store (nor Mason). Once they arrived, they found that a storm had wiped out a power grid, leaving thousands in the area without electricity, including them. Figuring the outage wouldn't last long, they decided to fish a little before sunset. After they rigged up and took their spots on the dock, Mason felt it was time to do the thing. The lake was serene, and the rays of the setting sun lent a soft glimmer to everything. But also Mason was too nervous to wait anymore. So after fishing for maybe two minutes, Mason said he needed to relieve himself. As he walked back to land, Candace called for him to bring back her jacket. Nice. The perfect concealment, Mason thought. Inside, he pulled out the ring box he'd stowed away and snatched up Candace's jacket. Then he took a deep breath and went back outside. When Candace took the jacket, she uncovered the richly red cherrywood box in Mason's hand. She gasped. Mason opened it, revealing the gleaming yellow-gold diamond ring. She gasped again. Then he knelt down (and asked Candace to stand up, which she did) and proposed. She said YES. But as Candace held out her expectant hand, Mason snapped the box shut. "No, my love," he said. "Let's walk to the security of the yard where I'll slide this beautiful and as-yet uninsured ring on your lovely finger, and make this engagement official." So, they walked carefully to land, where he placed the ring on her finger. A perfect fit. The electricity didn't come back on until late the next evening, so they spent much of the time saving frozen food and feeling their way through the dark. But the radiance of their love (and a few candles) guided them through a joyous and unforgettable weekend.