John volunteered to join an employee committee that I run. Being the early riser that he is (those of you that know John realize that I'm being facetious) he would get to our meetings early. So while I was setting up, we'd just talk about random things, including this new energy drink that had come out that he was obsessed with - Bang! I thought man not only is this big muscled, bald and bearded construction supervisor hot, but he has a great personality, he can hold a conversation, he's smart and funny! But I didn't think he was interested so I was hoping I was smooth and charming enough that he'd introduce me to some of his single friends! Turns out HE was interested. It took a while, but he finally asked me out on a date...which was epic (yes - it was EPIC!). We have returned to that restaurant every year to celebrate our anniversary...in fact that is where the next stage of our adventure - the engagement - took place! We've been on this wild and amazing journey together ever since and we wouldn't change it for the world! We're excited to celebrate our future with each of you! #hyphentoscheri

John planned the perfect anniversary dinner at our favorite first date spot, Echo & Rig. Unaware to Elyse, he invited her family and closest friends and arranged for them to arrive early so they were present when the two of them arrived for their "anniversary dinner". Elyse had made plans on that day for work, so John had to coordinate with her colleagues to fake a mass cancellation of the work event to free-up her evening - work event cancellation successful, he proceeded with the proposal plan. Elyse being the planner that she is, she started trying to make reservations for their anniversary dinner, simultaneously scheduling conflicting reservations with John's already scheduled reservations...poor guy ha! He had to call the restaurant and un-cluster the chaos that had been created by his oh-so-helpful girlfriend...at least he knows who he's marrying :)! For the first time in history Elyse is ready for dinner an hour early and suggests that they get to the restaurant early for a drink...haha! John detours the two of them to a local bar to kill time (remember there are a bunch of people showing up to the restaurant early for the surprise...we can't get there early). We get to Echo & Rig right on time, but the restaurant must have been busy because they had us wait in the lobby for what seemed like an eternity...it was probably 20 minutes (in hangry time that's a lifetime). They take us upstairs through the elevator (not the usual way), but good thing Elyse is 100% focused on what she's going to eat and not paying attention to anything else! The hostess walks us around the corner and it takes Elyse forever to realize what is happening...once it clicks, she turned around to see John down on one knee (kindly reminding her to remove her mask)...and if you didn't guess...Elyse said YES!! Most amazing day ever!