We're getting married!

We met at the Caring for Young Minds fundraiser, where—depending on who you ask—the story goes a little differently. Darby says Greate followed her around all night. Greate says Darby followed him. The truth is probably somewhere in between, but one thing is certain: the connection was undeniable. By the end of the evening, Greate finally worked up the nerve to ask for Darby’s number. Not long after, he sent a text inviting her to keep the conversation going in the hotel lobby. What started as a simple message turned into many more moments of talking, laughing, and learning each other’s hearts. What began as a genuine friendship slowly grew into something deeper, steadier, and more beautiful than either of us expected. Now, looking back, we’re so grateful for that first night, one small act of courage, a lot of laughter, and a moment that quietly changed everything.

Greate planned what Darby thought was a simple birthday game night at his cousin Tia’s house—snacks, wine, family, friends, and all the usual fun. What Darby didn’t know was that this was actually part of a much bigger plan. Earlier that evening, Darby was convinced Greate was going to propose at her studio’s concert. When it didn’t happen there, she figured she had read the situation completely wrong and moved on with the night. So game night it was. Everyone split into pairs to play a chaotic version of Taboo hosted by Darby’s best friend, Ashley, who—true to form—kept inventing rules no one had ever heard before. Of course, Darby and Greate were paired together. There was just one problem: Greate didn’t have his glasses. Darby strongly insisted that she should be the one reading the clues. After all, she’s extremely competitive and had every intention of winning. She lost that argument. Another strange rule Ashley added? Each pair had to stand back-to-back while playing. By the third round, it was our turn. The clue popped up: “Something people who love each other do.” Darby confidently shouted her first guess. (Let’s just say… it was not the answer you’d expect to shout in front of family and friends. 😂) Greate, suddenly panicking, yelled, “OTHER WAYS—GUESS OTHER WAYS!” Darby, now fully stressed about losing the round, kept yelling, “JUST PASS! PASS!” They’re standing back-to-back, the room is loud, everyone is laughing, and suddenly Tia shouts: “TIME!” Darby spins around, still mid-complaint about not getting the point… only to find Greate down on one knee. Looking up at her, he says the real answer to the clue: “They get married.” And this time, Darby got the answer right. She said yes. 💍