We met on a dating app, Hinge, and Craig was the first one to interact or swipe right if you will. We had nothing but deep conversations from day 1. After only a day or two of talking over an app, he asked for my number and we talked day and night about everything. One conversation would lead us into the next so we decided to meet up in person.

Craig had made reservations at Bakersfield in Pittsburgh at 7 pm. With me being my typical self, I was a few minutes late and he thought I was bailing on him. When I finally got there, it felt like we had known each other for a long time, and was very easy. We talked about everything under the sun, so much so that we closed the place down. I had made a joke about sex trafficking being my absolute worst fear and that walking to my car in the dark, by myself, would not happen so Craig had told me "I guess we'll have to find out if I'm a trafficker or a gentleman once we get to your car". We got to my car and talked for 3 more hours. Craig was so respectful; he paid for me, opened the door for me, and didn't even kiss me. He admits now that he wanted to, but didn't want to come off as pushy on the first date. I left with high hopes of this being who I could see myself with and was intrigued to know more about him!

We decided to go on a few more dates after our first one. He came with me to my friend's house to play games, took me to Chick-Fil-A (he knew how much I love it), took me to the mall where we smelled each other's favorite candle scents out and he even bought me my favorite candle to take home. For our fourth date, we went to my parent's house for family game night. Now, family game night is always a good idea until you're bringing home a new guy, on your fourth date. We played games for hours and EVERYONE loved Craig, so much that he left that night and my family started planning my wedding. If I'm being honest, I knew I wanted the next guy I dated to be my last, so it freaked me out a little bit because I felt like I barely knew him enough to think about a forever future. I felt like I needed to feel it out for myself a little bit more. I went to his house the next day for the first time and we had a great time. We watched a whole series on Netflix and ate Pasta Too. It was his birthday so I got us desserts to share as well. While the whole night went great, I had an uneasy feeling after leaving there. I felt as if I shouldn't be hanging out with him or leading him on in any way if I wasn't sure about how I felt yet. I was open and honest with him and the next day I told him how I was feeling. I simply told him that I have really enjoyed hanging out with him and getting to know him, but I'm not sure if I'm ready enough to move forward without leading him on. He was so understanding and told me something that I'll never forget. He said, "Jordan, you'll know when the right person comes along because you won't be hesitant at all and you deserve to find everything you're looking for". That tugged on my heartstrings a little bit and made me really emotional. I knew I really liked him, loved getting to know him, and knew I wanted someone exactly like him in my future, so why was I hesitating?

We had only gone a few days without talking. After those few days, Craig was shopping in TJ Maxx and sent me a picture of a decor sign that said "Blessed". It was an inside joke to us, but it quickly made me laugh and I was so excited he had texted me. We haven't stopped talking since that day. Blessed!!!! Fast forward a few months, Craig decides to show up unannounced at my parent's house while out for a ride on his motorcycle. He came and hung out with me, my mom, my dad, and my grandma for a few hours. I knew from there he was the one when I didn't want him to leave. I did nothing but laugh when we were together and it felt so easy. He took me on a few more dates and the rest is history.

I thought we were meeting our two friends, Natalie and Rob, for dinner to exchange Christmas gifts. We were supposed to meet at 5:30 and on our way to Pittsburgh, they texted us and said they'd be getting there closer to 6:30 due to being stuck on a work call. Craig said, "it's okay, let's go have a drink while we wait for them". So, we headed over to Meat & Potatoes where I had my favorite, an espresso martini! We finished our drink, Craig paid our tab, and were on our way to meet them, at least I thought! As we were walking to the car we passed Heinz Hall, where my uncle performed every Christmas. As we were walking by it Craig said "Isn't there a big Christmas tree in there?"... I said "yes, my uncle used to stand by it after every show to take pictures and sign autographs". He started to walk towards the door and said "Let's go check it out, I've never seen it". Being my typical stubborn self, I said "Babe they don't just let anyone in, especially when there's a show going on tonight. Doors will be opening soon". We walk in and he asks the usher if we can go in to see the tree and the usher, who was in on the plan, says "I'll have to ask, we typically don't let anyone in"... I said, "See! I told you!!" Low and behold, a lady comes out, who was also in on the plan, says "We typically don't let anyone in but since doors aren't open yet, we'll let you come in real fast". I was shocked! We're walking into the tree, which was just as beautiful as I remember it, he pulls out his phone and asks the lady to take our picture by the tree. As we're beginning to pose, he drops to one knee! All I remember him saying is, "I know this isn't the stage your uncle used to sing on, but I know how much you love Christmas time......."! And then I blacked out and don't remember the rest! I was so excited! We went back to my parent's house to celebrate, where all of our family and closest friends were gathered! It was such a special night for both of us, one I'll never forget!