We had our first date in Chicago at Little Goat Diner and quickly hit it off over our shared love of North Carolina, the Avett brothers, and brutal Chicago winters. From there, it was off to the races as we fell in love jamming out together at numerous concerts (45 and counting), competing in closely fought board game and Jeopardy matches, dive bar hopping, and so many adventures.

We got engaged on July 15, 2018 at Lincoln Park in Chicago -- we've spent many weekends lounging and reading at this same place. Our buddy Patrick and I met the night before and hid picnic supplies just off the trail. As Elizabeth and I drove over under the guise of meeting up with friends, we soon found that an International Pokémon Go convention was taking place just on the edge of that same park! I began to panic, trying to keep my cool, as we circled the park numerous times trying to find a spot. Everything soon fell into place once DJ Elizabeth put on a favorite song and Father John Misty sang out, “what are you doing with your whole life, how 'bout forever?” Fortunately, my planned proposal spot was Pokémon free. I asked the question, she gave an emphatic yes, Patrick climbed out of the bushes where he was hiding/taking photos. Afterwards, the surprises continued for Elizabeth -- an amazing dinner with Julia and Kevin that night before jetting off to Amsterdam to celebrate!