For weeks and weeks, Dan was making plans to propose but the weather kept getting in the way. Therefore, every time Taylor and Dan called their parents, they were greeted by (seemingly) unexplainable excitement. Finally, by the second week of March, Dan couldn't take it any longer and resolved to make it happen no matter what. All week, he gently asked Taylor if she could take Friday afternoon off, to which she helpfully responded: “Sure, maybe, I don’t know.” Friday came and as Dan was walking out of work, rain clouds were looming forebodingly on the horizon. Determined, when he got home he stuck to the plan and suggested they go for a walk around the monuments before dinner. As they parked, the clouds lifted and the sun came out. With the ring box in Dan’s sock they started walking around the tidal basin. Before long, Dan was down on one knee and Taylor was asking, “What are you doing?” After she said “Yes, of course,” they continued the walk enjoying the sunshine and their shared secret. A little while later, they called and gave their parents the news everyone was waiting for. To cap off the perfect day, they had dinner and champagne at their favorite DC restaurant, Bar Charley, where they had introduced their parents to each other.

Taylor’s family has visited the island in August every year since she was five! During one of these trips, Dan, heart racing, two bouquets of flowers in hand, met Taylor’s family for the first time on the dock in Oak Bluffs. Martha’s Vineyard has continued to be one of Dan and Taylor’s favorite places to unwind and beat the DC summer heat. There is something so relaxing about stepping on the ferry and knowing you will soon be on “island time.” We can't wait to share this special place with everyone!