We were introduced like so many in our generation, by using modern technology to find each other. Christine found Jon's charm irresistible. When Jon proposed they grab a drink Monday night after work, she couldn't turn him down. The plan was to meet at Libertine and enjoy a craft cocktail together. Plans changed. Standing in the cold drizzle outside of a locked entryway, Jon wondered if Christine was cruelly standing him up. You see Jon was new in town and didn't know this particular cocktail bar was not open on certain evenings throughout the week. Luckily, Christine had made the same mistake. As she drove by the watering hole she saw Jon standing out in the cold looking miserable and decided to give him another chance. "Ralston?" the text said, she agreed. The next thing Christine knew she was enjoying a game of "guess what I plan on ordering", as Jon, using his detective skills searched her eyes for the exact dish she was hungry for (Pepperoni Flatbread). Impressed by his intuition, and he, happy to see she would play along, ordered another round. We continued to talk about family, friends, and careers long after the dinner had ended. We agreed that we should see each other again soon.

Carrying a ring around Barcelona, Spain for 3 days is no joke. Jon was terrified of both ruining the surprise of "popping the question" and reports of crafty pick pockets targeting tourists. We could not look more like tourists. Every foray into the cities culture and cuisine was followed by a trip to the restroom to relieve the anxiety that a rouge housekeeper had gone snooping through his toiletry bag and found a tempting surprise. The plan was Barcelona, but the plan never came together. As soon as we hit Seville, and he saw the rooftop of the hotel we were staying at in the city Jon knew that it was the perfect place. A new plan was being hatched. Subtle suggestions to head to the convenience store down the street for wine, cheese, and after dinner snacks, a reservation was placed at a classy Italian restaurant, and an empty rooftop was all that was needed to make it happen. Dinner was perfect, a talented guitarist played as we finished off our bottle of albariño and dessert of lemon meringue pie. On our walk home Jon checked his pockets to make sure the ring was still on him. "How about some wine as we look out over the Cathedral?" Jon suggested, Christine agreed, that was a fantastic idea. "What's your favorite city you've ever travelled to?" he asked to lead Christine, hoping she would either say Seville, or quickly respond with another city. She didn't. She rambled on a bit about Paris, or another European city that Jon to this day cannot remember. Eventually he got it out, "Well, hopefully I have something that will make Seville your favorite city." As he got to his knee, and fumbled around in his pocket, the only words that came to him were, "I love you, and I want you to marry me, will you?" Christine didn't answer immediately, but she was surprised, and was wearing a ring. "Is that a yes?" Jon said, Christine agreed. "Yes."