Murphy Wedding

Heather moved to Columbus in March 2016 for work and of course not expecting to stay in the Midwest for long. She started living with Liz Mead and they became very fast friends. Fast forward a few months and Liz asked Heather to join her for a July 4th party at her sisters house in their neighborhood in German Village. As soon as we got to the party there was a very cute guy, named Evan who coincidently knew just about everyone Heather knew in the city of Columbus and only lived about 2 blocks from her apartment. They had a blast at the party and ending the evening sipping fireball on her apartment rooftop watching fireworks. From then on Evan knew Heather was special and they went on their first date at the Local Cantina. The Local Cantina became a staple date night as it was perfectly in the middle of their two residences. When Heather moved out of her apartment with Liz, Evan facetiously suggested that she skip looking for an apartment of her own and try living with him. Stating that if they were going to get married, they should live together first. While at that point, it may have been too soon to discuss marriage, the change of scenery took their relationship to the next chapter. Evan soon openly discussed the possibly with friends and family. One particular co-worker reveled in the idea of planning the proposal overseas -- the initial plan was set into action for fall of 2020. Then COVID. The world and careful planning was turn upside down. Staying optimistic and opportunistic the pair bought new property and entered the rental market industry, took advantage of their time at home and added a puppy to the family and of course were blessed with the first nephew on either side of the families, sweet Carter Murphy Cline. During such a trying time, there was so much to be thankful for, Evan wanted to be able to tell his grandkids when they asked about the year that was 2020, he could tell them “Well that that’s when your grandma and I got engaged”.

On the morning of December 12th Evan “ran to Lowe’s” for an errand. When in reality he was meeting with the photographer at Franklin Park Conservatory to dry run the evenings question. A plan was set. Evan came home and told Heather he had bought tickets for that evening’s lights. 5pm sharp, Evan was ready to-go, surprising Heather didn't pick up on this abnormality, assuming Murph-time meant around 5:10. Regardless of the timing, when they arrived there was a line a few blocks long out the door. The first surprise to the careful planning. Evan told Heather to get in line and he'd ask to see what was going on. Evan decided to see if he could find a faster way to slide into the venue, as he was walking up the doorman asked if they were part of the wedding. Figuring that'd be faster than explaining the true intent ..."Yup, sure are! Let me grab my date." Grabbing Heather by the hand, he led her to the front and past the crowd to a cheerful "enjoy the wedding you two". Heather shot Evan a confused look as they walked in. Heather was blissfully enjoying the art and display pieces, requesting to stroll down different paths or pause to reflect, Evan hurried her with "I really want to see one piece outside before the sunset". The second surprise. The proposal location was shared with said wedding! Heather was again concerned with what this wedding was about?! Sweating less from stress of making it happen and more from the nerves, the plan, location and beautiful future bride-to-be were all in place. Evan whisked H around and took her to the middle of the stately Palm House. Admitting that he’d known for years, that the co-habitation and once in a lifetime experience of the “new normal” only confirmed, that he loved her madly and couldn’t imagine living life without her. She said yes!