It all started with a swipe. 💛 We met on Bumble and, after a few messages and plenty of emoji-filled banter, decided to meet in person. Chris chose Starr Hill Brewery in Scott’s Addition for our first date and he was completely unaware that it was just a block away from where I lived! (He insists it was fate… or excellent taste in beer.) We spent the evening sipping local brews, sharing pimento cheese and crackers, and laughing like we’d known each other for much longer. There was an ease between us from the very beginning. Something that just felt right. As the night came to an end, we walked back to my place, stopping in front of the little dog park by my apartment. That’s where we had our first kiss under the glow of the streetlights, with a couple of curious pups nearby to witness it. And from that night on, we’ve been writing our story together. One craft beer and unexpected kiss at a time.

Even though they had picked out the ring together (because Fanny’s taste is too good to guess), the proposal was still a complete surprise. Chris had been quietly planning behind the scenes and enlisted the help of two close friends to set the stage. Under the guise of a casual weekend outing, they “invited” them to spend the afternoon at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. As they wandered through the gardens, Fanny the ever the detective, kept sneakily checking for a suspicious box bulge in Chris’s pocket… but saw nothing. So, she figured it wasn’t happening that day. Chris played it cool, knowing how much Fanny loves to take photos, and said if there was anywhere she wanted to snap a few pictures, they could do it there. Naturally, she chose the gorgeous Italian Gardens. The flowers were blooming, the light was perfect, and everything felt peaceful and full of possibility. After a few shots, Chris suggested one last pose. Then, in the middle of the garden, he got down on one knee and asked the question they both knew was coming, but that still caught Fanny completely off guard. Of course, she said yes. 💍 To celebrate, they headed to Common House with friends for drinks, snacks, and a toast to the future. It was a day full of joy, laughter, and one unforgettable surprise.