We're getting married!

Amanda and Denis met as coworkers when Denis was assigned to help Amanda diagnose a broken electric motor. Neither of them had any idea what was wrong with the motor, but they certainly knew that working together was kinda fun and something to look forward everyday. Eventually this issue fizzled out, but their bond did not. Months later, Denis was out testing out his new prototype riding mower and asked Amanda to test it out as well. That led to a long conversation about everything and nothing, and Amanda couldn't stop thinking about him afterwards. Within a few weeks, she sneakily caught a ride with him to the parking garage so she could ask him out. She blacked out but apparently he said yes. On December 4, 2021, they had a fantastic first date. They went to the art museum, watched a Christmas parade, ate at Trappe Door (which would become one of their favorite local haunts), and concluded the night with a walk along the Swamp Rabbit Trail and watching Star Wars.

A couple years ago, Denis found out about a quarry in Georgia that allows individuals to mine for various minerals and crystals. Denis wanted to check this out and invited Amanda along. It turns out they both really dug it! They had their eyes set on going back for a while, and separately they both realized that it would be a really good proposal site. A rock in the hand and a rock on the hand... On October 5, 2024, they returned to the mine with added nerves and anticipation for the day ahead. The day turned out to be very hot, busy, and can you believe it, dirty. So Denis kept that ring tucked in his backpack, leaving Amanda to side-eye the ring box very obviously outlined in the front pocket all day. Amanda had already told far too many people that she expected Denis to pop the question that day, so she kept out hope that the day wasn't over. Cooled off, cleaned up, and back at home, Denis asked Amanda if she'd like to go on a walk downtown. She said "sure!", acting very natural. They went downtown and Amanda steered Denis towards her favorite spot of the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Hurricane Helene was just the week before, so they climb over several fallen trees to get to the spot. Denis paces back and forth, trying to pick his final spot as a free man, and finally proclaims, "Did you know I brought a rock with me today?". He got down on one knee, and she said yes. And now we cannot wait to celebrate our wedding with you steps away from where we got engaged! Photos by Michelle Mogavero www.miraphotographs.com