Our story began as most classic love stories do...with a dating app. For our first date, Mark scored hockey tickets (thanks, Zach!) so we ended up going to Rocket Bar for a beer and then to a Capitals game (by the way, the Caps WON!). At the end of the night as he walked me to my door, I knew there was something truly special about him. Our second date was the following day at a Mexican restaurant. Mark got queso on his beard and I didn't tell him so he looked pretty ridiculous the whole time. I also had the flu and went downhill pretty fast and told Mark I needed to get home. To this day, I am convinced the only reason he walked me home was to meet Huckleberry. That was definitely love at first sight.

As I started to plan, I went through several ideas, including at-home massages, over a sushi dinner (her favorite), or possibly popping the question when we were visiting Joshua Tree. After looking at both of our schedules, I realized that the best day for the proposal would be Friday, July 13th. I decided to keep it simple, but knew I wanted to have Huck involved. I had a large sign created (thanks, Joe!) with a picture of Huck and I and the words, "We have a question for you...". I set up the house before picking her up from running errands so when she walked in, saw the sign, and turned around, I would be standing there with the ring. Sure enough, that is exactly what happened, but as she turned around and I was standing there with the ring, I just stood there smiling until she said, "Well are you going to ask me?". At that point I got down on one knee and asked Katie to be my partner for life. Huck couldn't have been happier. The next day we celebrated with my closest friends as Katie had been planning a surprise of her own for my 30th Birthday.