And they lived happily ever after...

Once upon a time, the week before semester finals, a pair of college students locked eyes for the first time. Without knowledge of each other, the pair were invited to the dorm room of a mutual friend. It was in that moment where a hint of magic filled the air. Sounds of laughter echoed throughout the hall. The night consisted of singing and dancing, including with each other, as well as belting out to our favorite songs past and present. Little did they know that night in December 2012 would be the first night of the rest of their lives.

After they first met, Eric and Courtney took things slow. It wasn't until June 17, 2013, when they officially became a couple. Their first official date came at the end of June and it was a memorable one at that. The newly announced couple had made plans to meet up in Lebanon, NH, with a mutual mutual friend and her date. The day was filled with a mixture of emotions. Eric had been excited, nervous and was timid throughout the drive up. Courtney was really nervous. This was the first and longest time the two had spent time alone together. Courtney was the driver of the trip, so Eric took the opportunity to look up the menu of Lui Lui's, the suggested restaurant. Eric started talking about the food on the menu to break the ice. A calmness started to take hold over the vehicle and the two became less nervous. The drive up was overcast with some light rain. The couple arrived in Lebanon and picked up their friend. To their surprise, their friend's date had stood her up. Despite getting stood up, she was still willing to go out with them, so they made the best of it. The restaurant did not disappoint. The aroma of garlic bread emanated throughout the entirety of the restaurant. The food was to die for! Chicken Parmigiana, homemade pizzas and plenty of pasta dishes were evenly distributed all over the restaurant. The three enjoyed their dinner and after a while parted ways. The ride home was the most memorable part. Eric and Courtney started talking about the awkwardness about the first official date, until it started raining. The young couple drove from Lebanon back to Rochester, NH, in torrential downpours! They were both terrified for their lives, but a whole foundation of trust was built as they safely drove back to Rochester. The whole experience brought the two closer together.

If you haven't figure it out by now, Courtney is an avid Disney fan. Their story starts with a small trip to Walt Disney World at the end of October. Eric had known for a while that Courtney was "the one," but wasn't quite sure about how he would propose. In July of '18, Eric took a trip with his sister to a few jewelry stores. He had one ring chosen, but decided to wait. The following week, Courtney and Eric went to Normandy Farms Campground with the paternal side of her family. There is a plethora of activities to do there, including several large swimming pools, Bocci courts, a Disc Golf course and much more! Eric was invited to play Disc Golf with "the guys." The walk down to the Disc Golf Course is a ways from their campsite. Eric spotted Courtney's father, walking ahead of the group. Eric seized the opportunity to catch up with him and shared what he'd been doing recently. With an old-fashioned, respectful, gesture, Eric asked for his blessing, which he provided a firm "yes." Eric went back to the jewelry store and purchased the most beautiful ring and a plan to propose in Disney. Eric called friends and family and made sure it stayed secret. In the coming weeks, more and more of Courtney's family started to make plans to make the trip down. Despite more people attending the trip, Courtney never caught on, even the day of! Eric was so nervous and anxious. Eric had to keep the ring in his pocket. Eric and Courtney arrived in Florida and had to travel separately to the hotel. Eric met Courtney's mother and brother and headed to Magic Kingdom and flagged down a photographer to capture the special moment when Courtney arrived. Eric was lost for words as they made the walk up Main St. The photographer guided the group toward's the castle and prompted Eric and Courtney to get in a picture. After a few pictures were taken, Eric whispered a few things into Courtney's ear. It was in that moment where Eric dropped to a knee and magically proposed in front of the castle.