October 9, 2018 They met at a weekly Bible study for "20 Something's" at Rock Creek Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Both were looking for a godly group of people around their age, and admittedly, a godly SO to spend time with. He caught her smile. She thought he was cute. It wasn't until after a dinner with the Bible study group that they actually started talking. It was at a BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse where, after everyone else had left, they remained to talk for hours.

November 21st, 2018 That was the question he asked after they had left a "Friendsgiving" dinner with their Bible study group (and after exchanging books - he got Harry Potter, she eventually ended up with Lord of the Rings). The next day they had a show time at the Rave... and a date! After lots of laughs and a great movie he told her in the parking lot that he really liked her and hoped they could spend more time together. She wanted the same!

November 29th, 2018 This time, for their second date, she asked him to view the holiday lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs. She loved Christmas time and Christmas lights and wanted to share this experience with him. They met at the gardens where they strolled and marveled at the impressive display while talking all night about whatever came to mind. Before they were even out of the park they were holding hands and smiling from ear to ear. When they finished, he walked her to her car where he told her how beautiful she was and that he couldn't stop thinking about her and her smile. Then, from out of nowhere (and surprising them both), she said "I think I want to kiss you now." They kissed, and while it was awkward, it was one of their happiest moments ever.

April 13th, 2019 Spring time was here and the tulips were in full bloom. This was the perfect opportunity to return to Garvan Woodland Gardens for the Tulip Festival. It was such a beautiful, perfect day and love was in the air. They photographed flowers all afternoon, holding hands and smiling. They came to an out-of-the-way path that led to a secluded clearing in front of a beautiful lake. They stood in silence for several minutes, gazing at the scenery and each other. This was it. He was going to tell her how he felt about her. Heart racing he looked at her many times but just couldn't get the words out. What if she didn't feel the same way? Interrupted by another couple coming down the path, they left that place to resume the stroll through the garden. They found out later that the same struggle was going through her mind. Then, weeks later after dinner and a movie at her apartment, they got to talking. He looked at her, and after admitting how hard it was to say, he told her he loved her. She smiled and said she loved him too!

Christmas was her favorite time of the year so he knew he had to make this holiday extra special. He knew there would be Christmas lights during the proposal so the location was obvious: the Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens. And so, on that night, under a tree wrapped in orange and white lights, he proposed. Her answer wasn't just "yes", it was a "yes" with a happy dance!