We're Getting Married!

**High School Days (2008–2012)** We both went to Hudson High School, surrounded by the same mutual friends, but somehow our paths never crossed. It wasn’t until our town opened a new school, Fivay High, that things began to change. Dakota was part of the first graduating senior class in 2012. Funny how life works! **The First Message: July 12, 2019** Fast forward to July 12, 2019—everything changed when I received a message on Facebook Messenger from a cute guy. It was a photo of a waving bear and a simple "hello!" from Dakota. Little did I know, that was the message that would seal the deal. **When We First Met: July 14, 2019** Just two days later, we met in person at The Gatsby Hideaway & Cafe (now ZEN Kitchen & Bar). The place might not exist anymore, but that night will always be unforgettable. We spent hours dancing to 80's music and even created our own signature move: the "walkin' the dog." It was cheesy, fun, and exactly the kind of moment that made me realize I had met my person. **Funny Side Story- FOR THE PLOT: July 20, 2019** A week after our first hangout, I was volunteering at a charity event called "Martinis for Moffitt," raising money for cancer research. I texted Dakota and convinced him to wear a suit, telling him he’d look like he was one of the big donators at the event. He showed up in style, and I snuck him a VIP wristband so we could sneak into the floor selling crab legs. Let’s just say the crab legs were a *real* highlight of the night. **Our First Date: July 26, 2019** Our first official date came a few weeks later, on July 26, 2019. Dakota surprised me with a bouquet of my favorite flowers, peonies, and took me to a Blink-182 concert in Tampa. The icing on the cake? We sang "First Date" by Blink-182, and I couldn’t help but smile at the irony of it all. It was the start of so many incredible adventures, and I knew from that moment that Dakota was my rock—supporting me through pharmacy school and beyond. **The Proposal (Dominique's POV): December 9, 2024** Fast forward to December 9, 2024—Dakota and I were cruising through the Caribbean with our two best friends, Bradley and Jacqueline. We were enjoying the sail-away party, dancing and drinking, when out of nowhere, the boys insisted we go watch the sunset. They kept teasing us, so naturally, we chased after them to the back of the ship. Once there, they claimed Bradley needed help with a new Instagram photoshoot. (For context, Bradley runs a travel Instagram page, so it made total sense to me.) As Bradley snapped away, Dakota pulled me close, and before I knew it, he was down on one knee, the sun setting perfectly behind him. "Will you make me the happiest man on Earth and marry me?" he asked. My heart stopped. Without a second thought, I said, "YES!" -- And here we are, starting the next chapter of our journey together. We've shared countless memories and adventures, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us as we continue this beautiful love story.