August 13th, 2017 It was a setup! Ha! As Heather and I often say, "we owe it all to God and Todd." Our matchmakers, Todd and Collynn Harper, had been working behind the scenes to get us together. Heather was working for Todd at Generous Giving, and I had known the Harpers for a few years through Discovery Church here in Orlando. I returned to Orlando from a study abroad in early August, and caught up with Todd over lunch. Near the end of our time together he mentioned this amazing young woman who worked in his office, and that he thought we would be great together. A week later, I picked Heather up after church (the only time we both had free) and took her to brunch at Keke's in Winter Park. The rest, as they say, is history (or at least 1 year of it!).

July 22, 2018 This Spring, as I began thinking through proposal options, one presented itself as the perfect choice - the McGill family vacation in Big Bear, California. First, the trip was already scheduled, and would provide me with a beautiful destination, without tipping her off. Most importantly, it would allow me to involve her entire family, including her sister and brother-in-law in L.A. I reached out to Christy and Doug (L.A.) and began to plan... At 6:30am Sunday (the kids usually had us up early), I sent Heather's two nieces, Eva and Amelia, to bring her breakfast in bed. On the tray was the first of 3 notes (as well as breakfast), sharing some of my hopes for our marriage, namely that God would always be at the center. I encouraged her to have some time alone with Him before we started the day. When she came downstairs, her mom Sheri, sister-in-law Joy, and Christy were waiting with mimosas, ready to do hair, make-up and nails! Around 8am, I returned to the house to pick Heather up. We waved goodbye, and drove off on our adventure (thanks Doug for lending the truck!). I gave her note #2, which referred to some of our specific differences. I explained how I saw those differences as potential challenges for our marriage, but also as opportunities for us to grow in maturity and to bless others. After a short drive, we arrived at the base of Big Bear Snow Summit. One of my favorite moments of the day was the slow, quiet chairlift ride to the top, reflecting on our journey and anticipating the moment to come. When we reached the summit, Heather and I walked over to the backside of the mountain and found a quiet place to talk. I opened note #3, which I read out loud. It summarized my conversation with Jack and Sheri, asking for their blessing and explaining why I wanted to spend the rest of my life with their daughter. Nothing more to say, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me! And SHE SAID YES!