Those dating apps can actually work! They met on one called Bumble. Doug didn't think Gigi would swipe on him and just in case she did he extended the time for her to respond (default is only 24hrs). Gigi's first statement to Doug was that he was too cute to need to extend. Then she poked fun that he underlined he was seeking positivity yet didn't have a single photo of him smiling!

Doug's local annual fair was going on so after a bite at one of his favorite Mexican restaurants they went off for some rides and games. They ran into his aunt and uncle who showed concern that she looked awfully young for him, but he was happy to be able to share they were similar in age. Gigi loved that Doug encouraged them to go on the rides and play games. Gigi played darts and hit every single balloon and Doug was surprised, impressed, and glad he wasn't planning on going next! Gigi thought Doug might be a little nervous, but he confidently grabbed her hand as they walked around and she thinks of this moment every time he holds her hand today. They took their first photo together on the ferris wheel; unknowingly that this photo would be used on their save the dates a year later!

Doug had hoped to be official on their 4th date, but Gigi felt it was too soon and that they needed to get to know each other well before making that commitment. Doug was not used to a girl wanting to go slow but luckily he had strengthened his patience. He was about to need it...

Gigi recently returned from a trip to Florida with her dear friend Michelle. Doug and Gigi had an amazing pumpkin patch date where Doug again showed his fun side playing silly games with Gigi (and her dog Arrow who tagged along). Gigi's gut had been telling her for months to keep giving this time and finally she felt confident in Doug and asked him to take them to Cordell Hull Lake overlook and asked him to be her boyfriend. Doug got the biggest SMILE she'd ever seen him make. He was so surprised as he thought it would take a couple more months as Gigi notoriously takes relationships oh so slowly.

Though Gigi has always taken forever through the phases of relationships... Things sped up in both their hearts. Doug kept dropping sayings of "I'm not getting any younger." Which Gigi would quip "I'm not getting any older!" However, about 6 months in, it hit her that she was completely, confidently sure that Doug was the one! She knew Doug wouldn't think she was any where near being ready so she had to make it very clear she actually was.

Though Gigi knew they would be taking the next step; the proposal was a complete surprise! Earlier that day while painting a mural outside her air bnb; she was telling a friend how she hoped Doug would be proposing in their upcoming road trip. When Doug arrived for their date, are dismissed him as he inquired on her needing more time to get ready and and pointing out she still had black paint on her nails. "No biggie - getting my nails done this week." Off they went to the lantern festival; which they'd purchased tickets months prior as a fun random activity to do (Doug liked that it was at the Parthenon). They snuggled up to each other as they walked around and somehow found a less busy little cove between bushes to sit next to the water. They didn't tell each other what they were drawing on their lanterns, but they both told their love story. (Gigi's was very detailed and Doug's was simple of course) Gigi thought it was so sweet that Doug set up both their phones to record sending off the lanterns in the water as he knows she loves cheesey moments. Ya, Gigi still hadn't caught on to what was about to happen! After they sent off the lanterns, she reached down to one of the phones to document them floating away. Doug immediately pulled her back up. Gigi still just thought he wanted to enjoy the moment with a hug. Then he bent down on one knee and said "I love you, Gigi. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?" Gigi said "really? oh babe, yes!" Doug couldn't believe she was surprised! Gigi couldn't believe he proposed in such a perfect and unexpected way. Despite it being so crowded, they were in their own private alcove. Gigi cherishes that as one of the best moments of her life and having it on film let's them relive any time.

It was so hard to bottle in the excitement, but Gigi held off on telling anyone as they were about to do a road trip across the country to visit her friends and family. It was so special to be able to surprise everyone with the good news in person and celebrate together! Everyone asked if they'd set a date... And if it were up to Doug he told them it would be in "two weeks." Though he's a master of stoicism, he's never been more excited about anything in his life (not even football)! Wild right?!