While their paths likely crossed prior to their official meeting at the University of Vermont, Jacob and Maddie became fast friends after being introduced by a mutual friend. Lisa, Jacob's advisor and Maddie's close friend, suspected it would be a good match and arranged a meeting. One winter night, Lisa texted Maddie to come to her apartment for a "study session". With final exams approaching, Maddie headed to Lisa's, decked in her coziest flannel for a full night of hitting the books (it was Winter in Vermont, folks!). Upon arriving, she found Jacob sitting on the couch, ready to study. Needless to say, the studying was minimal and the talking lasted for hours. Jacob was thoughtful, attentive, and kind. After just a few interactions, Maddie knew that he was something special. They spent the remainder of the semester getting to know one another and fostering a friendship. After a summer away from school and away from each other, Jacob and Maddie realized their friendship had turned into something more and they started dating on September 5th, 2014. Oh, and Lisa? She married Jacob's brother - fulfilling she and Maddie's grand plan to eventually become sisters one day. Looks like that study session paid off!

After nearly 6 years of growing individually and together, I knew that the time was right to ask Maddie to marry me. Little did she know, I had already started arranging the ring design. I knew I wanted to ask for support from both our families so on our annual summer trip to Maine, I found an opportunity to check in with both of them. Of course, both sets of parents were on board and the planning continued. Our 6 year dating anniversary arrived on September 5th, 2020. Maddie had just started school to become a Nurse Practitioner and I was getting ready to surprise her. Maddie's family happened to be visiting that labor day weekend, so I took the opportunity to surprise her with the family visit and throw her off the engagement scent. Later that evening, I took her out to dinner, just the two of us. The rain from earlier in the day subsided and a rainbow took its place, right over the outdoor restaurant we went to in downtown Burlington. Over the years, Maddie and I had many discussions about our future so it didn't surprise her when I asked her during dinner when she wanted to get engaged. She smiled and said she was ready when I was (the answer I anticipated). After dinner, Maddie asked if we could take a walk. I agreed and started walking us toward the car, eventually driving us to Shelburne Museum just as the sun began to set. I grabbed a bag from the car and we found a spot in the grass overlooking where Lake Champlain meets the Adirondacks. We spread out a blanket with our favorite cheeseboard fixings. I had brought our Polaroid camera and wanted to capture the moment so I instructed Maddie to take a selfie of us. As she was turned around, struggling to figure out how to get the perfect angle I managed to grab the ring and take a knee. She said yes and we were able to celebrate with her family that evening.