We met through a dating app called Hinge. Shortly after talking, we had our first date at Stewart Park. We had Thai food and talked and walked until we were pushed out by an impending thunderstorm. The night ended with a hug and plans to meet again. From that day on, we have spent most of our days with one another and plan to spend many more.

May 5th, 2022. Darby's Birthday. Darby's Perspective: Amanda and I went out to eat as David had to go to his parents house after work. After dinner, Amanda came over and we all had cake that David's sister had made (which was delicious btw). Shortly after the cake was eaten, we said our goodbyes with Amanda and David said he had a gift for me. I sat on the edge of the couch while David sat on the floor and dug around in his bag. He pulled out a book, one of a series he has been slowly giving me over the course of our first year together. Then he said I had to close my eyes for the next gift, when he told me I could open them he had something behind his back and said: "When I was thinking about what to get you, I was trying to think of something that truly meant something so...if you'll have me...it's me!" To which he then whipped around what was behind his back, my engagement ring! I was surprised and did not expect that, however I did have a feeling it was going to happen within the next few months. I was/am so excited to marry David. From the start we have clicked together perfectly and it has always felt right. David's Perspective: I knew that I was ready to propose to Darby awhile before her birthday, but had to do my best to keep the details under wraps until her ring was finished. There were some delays, and I had it sent to my parents house just to make sure she didn't see it beforehand (that's why I had to go to my parents house). Originally, I thought I might propose on the anniversary of our first date, but when it arrived on her birthday I took it as a sign to do it right then and there. After I got back to Ithaca, we had a nice birthday dinner and my sister had baked a delicious cake for the occasion, but I really couldn't wait for Amanda to call it a night so I could present Darby with my proposal (sorry Amanda!) Everything had always felt so right with Darby, and our hopes and ambitions were so aligned, it was no question. I'm just glad that we had talked about what she wanted months and months beforehand just in conversation! I am thrilled to be marrying Darby, and to be raising a child with her <3