We ended up on our first date briefly after meeting, and it truly is an unforgettable memory. The air was charged with excitement that night, and as the evening progressed we delved deeper and deeper into conversation until the hours slipped away. Neither of us wanted the night to end. Our second date was even better, as we discovered we could be our true selves with one another, and simply spent time enjoying each other's company. It felt like spending time with a close friend. We felt comfortable together and things just came easily, in a way that was different than anything else. We continued to speak more and spend more days together. Soon, the days turned to weeks, and weeks turned into months. As our romance blossomed, so too did a friendship that we both now treasure. It was this friendship that caused us to realize our love for one another. We began to recognize how much we meant to each other, and that a bond that connects people this deeply is a rare and special gift. So, one year after our first date, we returned to the very spot of our first date to celebrate our anniversary. That night, after Garrett swallowed his nerves (and stammered through his proposal), we got engaged! As we begin this exciting new journey, we want to affirm our union in presence of our dearly beloved family and friends.