After much convincing from friends, I finally signed up for online dating. I was told people in my age group used Tinder to actually meet people as opposed to using it as a hook up site. I wasn't totally convinced, but I thought it would be "fun" to try the whole "swipe" thing. Being picky can be a burden - just ask my poor finger after constantly swiping left. However, one day the profile of a handsome man appeared and my heart truly skipped a beat. The sudden murmur wasn't solely based on his good looks; there was something different about him and my gut told me to swipe right. IT'S A MATCH! Again my heart fluttered knowing he chose me, despite the process feeling more like picking the perfect apple from the produce isle than actually meeting someone in the real world. Soon thereafter we began messaging through the site, and our interest for each other quickly piqued. The next step should have been to exchange phone numbers and begin texting. however... AN UNEXPECTED TURN OF EVENTS I was unexpectedly faced with the difficult decision of putting my dog to sleep. Overtaken with grief, I retreated from the online world and virtually disappeared. A week later I was ready to resume contact with the mystery heart throb known only as, Michael. He had been swirling around in my head all week. In fact, I couldn't stop thinking about him. HE UNMATCHED ME! My heart sank when I logged back in and discovered he was no longer in my inbox. Poof. Gone. Because Tinder doesn't allow you to search for someone, there was no way for me to find him again. Unless...Panic set in as I quickly typed Match.com. Could he be on multiple sites? I scrolled through endless profiles - page after page - nothing but rotten apples. Just when I thought I'd lost him forever, there on the screen was that handsome face! I let out a shriek and immediately grabbed my wallet. I had to sign up just so I could send him a message explaining my sudden disappearance. BEST $80 BUCKS I'VE EVER SPENT!

WT PARTY 2018 It was a beautiful summer day - perfect for our annual float down the Truckee River. The gang assembled along the grassy bank, and the Chalice was passed for one or two swigs before launching. Riders climbed into their vessels, and the swift moving current helped commence our journey. The water was refreshing against the July heat. The group seemed particularly jovial, and I remember thinking how lucky we all were to experience the joy of good friends in the great outdoors. About an hour into our trip, it was break time. One-by-one the floaters made their way to the side of the river. I noticed Michael was on shore rooting through his backpack when somebody shouted, "Whose float is getting away?" RUNAWAY FLOAT... In the distance, a lonely bit of plastic was bouncing along the shallow rapids, gaining speed as it headed towards the unknown. There was a collective deer-in-the-headlights moment before we realized it was Michael's float. After a minute of disbelief, Laura's quip suggestion that "someone should go get it" prompted me to volunteer as chief retriever. I said I would wait for everyone downstream once I secured the raft. What should have been a relaxing river cruise suddenly turned into a mad paddle to catch an escaped float - much like chasing a puppy who thinks the game is to run faster and further away from you. This went on and on... Eventually I was able to reach the beast and managed to get myself and the float to the side of the river, where I waited patiently for the rest of the flotilla. Once again the group made their way to shore, and once again I noticed Michael rummaging through his backpack. WILL YOU... As he stood, Michael asked for everyone's attention announcing, "I have something to ask Nicole." In the next breath he was down on one knee with a box in hand. The "Ooooos" and "Ohhhhs" coming from behind me flooded my ears and every cell in my body began to vibrate. Next came those four words, "Will you marry me?"

For one of the few times in my life, I was left speechless. Not because I was uncertain, but because this incredible human being was asking me to be his for the rest of our lives, and I was overcome with profound honor and gratitude. I've never loved anyone as honestly and completely, nor have I ever been as happy as I am when I am with him. Words failing, my body quickly took over and I pounced on top of Michael, knocking him to the ground. I gave him the ultimate bear hug, squeezing tighter and tighter, seemingly stopping time. I'm not sure how long we rolled around on the grass (it's all a bit blurry in my mind), but at some point he pushed me up to see my face and asked, "So is that a yes?" or "Are you going to say yes?" Again, my entire being was buzzing with jubilation and It's all a bit of a blur. I didn't know I'd not answered him. YES! YES! YES! YES! 10000000% YES! Never being more certain of anything, I finally blurted out, "YES!" Michael sat up and presented me with a very special "placeholder" ring. Nestled together inside a Star Wars ring box was his and hers engraved rings. We have a running joke from the scene in the movie when Princess Leia says to Hans Solo, "I love you," and he responds, "I know." Michael found a ring set with these two lines. He took the ring saying "I love you" and placed it on my finger. It was the perfect proposal. With the asking and the agreeing completed, the next task was to set a date. It was so tempting to run off and get hitched immediately, but the more we talked about it, the more we grew fond of the idea of sharing our day with family and friends. The elopement turned into a courthouse ceremony which turned into a cocktail party which eventually turned into a full blown wedding! AND SO IT SHALL BE... On October 27th, Punter Hierce will officially become Mr. and Mrs. Hunter. We hope you will join us to help celebrate the start of the best next chapter of our lives. Nicole + Michael