We met online during October 2015 and then had our first date on November 5th. I was in my first semester of grad school and felt completely overwhelmed and meeting Dan came at the best time. We had some casual dates going to coffee shops and museums and then during the first weekend of December, Dan asked me to come to his parents' holiday party on the Cape. I had only really known him for a month and didn't know what to say, but after some encouragement from my friends I decided to go. That weekend was the moment for me that everything really clicked and I knew that I wanted to be with him. From then, things got more serious and we've really been inseparable ever since! - Melinda

I was crazy about Melinda from the start. Crazy enough to invite her to a full family Christmas party as her first time meeting my parents. Within a few weeks I knew I loved her, but wasn't ready to tell her yet. So, I started writing down all the things I loved about her on little slips of paper and keeping them in a recycled coffee container. Even after I admitted my love, I decided I would continue to add to the container and hold on to it for a special occasion. Three and a half years later, I add one more note. After a wonderful day spent together talking and laughing and dancing, I tell Melinda that I have a surprise for her. I come back into the room with the container full of love notes. She is overwhelmed at first, but doesn't suspect anything. Finally, she comes across the newest addition. As her eyes dart from the note to my face, she finds me on one knee with a ring in hand. - Dan