We met two or three times before having our first real conversation at a social event. Having mutual friends with us, Reggie Leonard and Sarah Kim, helped make the connection. There seemed to be some chemistry right away between us. Opportunity struck when Madeline mentioned needing her resume reviewed as her Master's graduation was around the corner and she was approaching the job search. Cool as a cucumber, Hunter offered Madeline help with her resume...by giving her his work email. Romantic, right? It's the classic romance story that's been told again and again. After many emails back and forth (and one fantastic resume), the four got together again for dinner. This time Hunter was going to truly up the romance level (you are probably thinking that's not possible after that sexy work email move) by asking Madeline out on a date. Well she said yes, and the rest was history. P.S. Madeline did land a wonderful job and her application materials were immaculate.

We had discussed marriage timelines and were on the same page, but Madeline did not know the exact day/time Hunter planned on proposing. After waiting for everyone to be fully vaccinated, Hunter had his parents and Madeline's parents and sister travel to Charlottesville on Memorial Day weekend 2021. With the incredible help of his friends (and our roommates at the time), Creighton and Sarah, Madeline was led to a secluded nature path on a beloved walking trail near Monticello. There, on a small wooden bridge over a creek tucked away in the forest, Hunter was waiting with his great-grandmother's ring. After initial shock, Madeline said, "yes!" and started to process all the trickery that had happened over the last two weeks. The party did not stop there! We had a wonderful dinner with our families and close friends and Madeline was able to meet Hunter's mom for the first time (dang pandemic really messed up plans)! We spent the night celebrating with good food and lots of laughs.