We're getting married!

I remember being so nervous for our first date! We'd been talking for weeks and it was clear how kind and amazing he is. We also went to a coffee shop and I had not yet learned how to like coffee ☺. But once we were sitting there together, it felt so perfect. We talked for 2 hours about anything and everything, and I couldn't ignore how hungry I was (I skipped breakfast because I was so nervous!) I asked if he'd like to join me for lunch as well and he agreed! It was almost eerie how many things we had in common and how similar we are. We had been going out for a little over a month when I took him up to Silver Lake for a picnic and walk, with every intention of kissing him for the first time. There was a few other moments where we could've, but I again was very nervous. We sat on a log by the lake for at least 10 minutes while I worked up the courage, but we kept getting interrupted and distracted by other people. We ended up coming back down to Sugarhouse Park and found some privacy in the trees along the stream, and he asked me to be his girlfriend! Our first kiss was simple and sweet, but I remember how full and excited my heart felt that day. That feeling has grown exponentially as we've been together, and I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives so very much in love. ♥

I remember seeing Rachel's profile and thinking we had a lot of shared values and she's beautiful. I suggested meeting at a coffee shop near her side of town. I walked in and was floored because sitting there was the most beautiful person I had ever seen. After overcoming a wave of nerves, we enjoyed our drinks - she had chai and I had some coffee. She won me over with her laugh and the way she showed how much she cared for the things important to her - family, the environment, her work, and equality. As our coffee was winding down, she made the first move and asked me to go get lunch. We went right away. After lunch, I knew I wanted to see her again and asked for a second date. I got to see her more and more. I asked her to be my girlfriend. I met her family. We told each other we loved the other. I spent months planning my proposal picking out a ring with her favorite stone, writing letters to her family, and making sure it would be a beautiful surprise. A few weeks later, Rachel proposed to me with a ring inlaid with coffee grounds and chai from the coffee shop where we had our first date! She's the best ♥ I am so in love and excited to spend the rest of my life so in love with her.