We were both somewhat unwilling participants in an experiment organized by our matchmaking friend. After several months of failed attempts to get us in the same room together, we finally agreed to a group event that introduced us. A couple of group hang out sessions later (and some bold moves made by Allison), and the first official date was set! Our first date was magical. Allison was quoted saying it was "the best date of her life." She excitedly told her parents and brother that this could perhaps be "the one." The next day, she was unceremoniously DUMPED by the one and only Dillon Michael Flood. (Don't worry, he had good reasons. He wanted to make sure we were on the same page in our faiths.) A few weeks later, after some soul searching and prayerful consideration, we decided to give our relationship another chance. From that moment on, it was a match made in heaven!

On our first date, Dillon made his intentions clear. Our dating was for the sole purpose of evaluating our compatibility as husband and wife. We made it our goal to pursue our relationship in a God-pleasing way. "Courting" is a rather uncommon practice in the 21st century, but we found it extraordinarily fulfilling. We spent hours discussing our beliefs, values and goals. We broached uncomfortable topics that could show us how compatible we would be long term. After a few months, it was clear to us that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. Dillon had the opportunity to ask for Allison's father's blessing during one of his visits from New York. Or, at least, that was Dillon's intention. After spending some quality time with him, Allison's father decided to give Dillon his whole-hearted blessing before Dillon had the chance to ask! That same evening, (because we couldn't wait any longer) we took a nighttime walk around the lake at Wall Park, where Dillon got down on one knee and popped the question.