We first started talking in November of 2020, during the height of COVID-19, which meant our connection began online. Vinny broke the ice with a cheesy D&D pick-up line (now one of our shared favorite hobbies) and from that moment I was hooked. Our first few dates we had to navigate COVID lockdowns, restrictions, and Colorado's unpredictable winter weather. We did have the typical first coffee date, but indoor seating wasn't an option so we got to enjoy our drinks at the tailgate of Vinny's truck over a brisk winter morning. From an awkward handshake (don't ask) to sharing meals at parks and in cars, we slowly learned more about each other and we both knew we had found somebody special!

I’d originally figured out when Vinny was planning to propose—or so I thought. Whether it was a slip of information or my own sleuthing, I was convinced I had everything all figured out. But Vinny, ever quick on his feet, had a surprise up his sleeve. The weekend before I expected the proposal, we had plans to visit Anderson Farms for some pumpkin picking and fall festivities. As we wandered around the farm, I noticed Vinny seemed a little nervous, though he tried to play it off as a stomach ache. When it was time to take the wagon out to the pumpkin patch, I didn’t suspect a thing. We strolled through the rows of pumpkins, searching for the perfect one. I finally spotted a promising contender and pointed it out. Vinny crouched down, and I thought he was about to cut the pumpkin from the vine—but instead, he pulled a small box from his pocket. Then and there, he asked me to spend forever with him. I was so shocked, he’d actually managed to surprise me! It took me a moment to process, but of course, I said yes.