Ethan and I met in 2016 at James Madison University. Both being Biology majors, we quickly found ourselves in the same study group and eventually, the best friend group. In my first few interactions with Ethan, I could tell he was quiet, sweet, and extremely patient. I was quite intimidated and embarrassed with my lack of talent in organic chemistry considering this seemed to come to Ethan so naturally. These feelings quickly morphed into excitement and adoration as I looked forward to study sessions with this really cute, smart and goofy guy. I found out later once we were dating that Ethan would come to study sessions even when he did not have to study but just to be around me. I caught him on his computer one time in the library watching Netflix and wondered "why doesn't he do this at home?". In classic, romantic fashion, our first kiss was on Valentines Day at a party my roommates and I hosted. From that night on, I knew my time with Ethan would surpass the remainder of my time at JMU and beyond.

Ethan proposed on January 10th, 2024. We both had time off work and I thought it would be fun and relaxing to go to one of my favorite places- the Outer Banks. Being the thoughtful man he is, Ethan knew how important the OBX was and is for my family and I and so he planned the perfect proposal. Ethan told me on the way there that he booked a couples massage and I was to get a facial after. When we got to the spa, the front desk apologized and told me unfortunately the facial was not booked for me but a mani-pedi was instead. I gladly accepted this pampering time and was still clueless as to what Ethan had up his sleeve. Ethan picked me up after my mani-pedi and insisted we go for a drive and visit my family's old beach house. He acted as if he had not driven there that morning while I was at the spa to practice and plan it all out. We walked down to the beach right in front of my old house and he shared with me fond memories of us dating through the years and when exactly he knew he wanted to marry me. As soon as his words registered in my head and the butterflies were quickly developing, he was kneeling in the sand.