After the both of us attended and graduated from Radford University, having never known each other in college whatsoever, we were introduced by some of our best friends (shoutout John and Erica Lynn!) while Dylan and John lived together in Gainesville, VA. John and Erica Lynn had planned to rent inflatable tubes and float the Shenandoah River and, as we found out later, were specific with their intention to invite both of us "strangers" to tag along. We set out for a day filled with adventure and sunshine (more so sunburn for Dana) while floating on the river and were able to initially get to know each other in an unconventional way. Following that day, we both caught the bug and continued to stay in contact while meeting up with mutual friends for a few short months until we both moved to Arlington, VA, around the same time. Once we lived within a few miles of each other, we really gravitated towards each other and spent many nights and weekends exploring Arlington and D.C. Dylan finally mustered the courage (and intelligence) to ask Dana on a formal date to Fireworks Pizza and the rest, is history!

Fast forward 5 years from our floating trip on the Shenandoah River and we had moved into a townhouse in Fairfax, VA with our fur-child, Stella. We had grown very close and Dana was patiently eager for Dylan to ask the big question. On June 19th, Dylan, with the help of family, set up plans to celebrate his father's birthday with family and friends at Vanish Brewery, in Lucketts, VA. Little did Dana know, the gathering was for more than just Dylan's father's birthday. We set out for the brewery and Dylan told Dana he wanted to quickly stop to get flowers for his mother at the Field of Flowers in Purcellville, VA. Once on site, we picked over the cut flowers and while Dana was cutting hydrangeas off a nearby bush, Dylan got down on one knee to Dana's surprise when she finally turned around. She said YES! Tears of joy and excitement ensued and it dawned on Dana that the brewery event might be more than just a birthday celebration. We eventually showed up at the brewery overcome by happiness as an engaged couple to be greeted by both of our families and closest friends. June 19th will forever hold a special memory for us both.