We met at youth group and bonded through our sense of humor, went from acquaintances to best friends in no time. But one summer night while out with friends at the beach, that all changed. While he did cartwheels and I attempted to do the same, I tripped, and he caught me. He held my hand the rest of that night and we realized our connection went further than friendship. What started out as a summer fling extended into the next year and before we knew it, we grew up. 8 years later and we’ve celebrated graduations, cheered each other's job promotions, traveled, made a home together and included our puppy Jax in the fun. Through it all his words still play perfectly in my head to this day, "I want this summer fling to be a forever thing."

Knowing my love for surprises, Gary picked our group trip to Italy as the perfect cover for the proposal. But to get the ring without me noticing would be another story. Two weeks before the proposal, he flew to New York City and back the same night to pick up the ring. Somehow, I didn't suspect a thing! While on the trip, he waited day after day for the perfect moment to pop the question. With the days passing and no engagement announcement in sight, the anticipation for everyone back home grew immensely. On the last day of the trip while visiting the island of Capri, Gary walked us up the hill to the Gardens of Augustus. He cleverly staged the moment as a photo op and promptly broke into a series of poses. For the last shot, he got down on one knee, and pulled out the ring. After a tearful and excited yes, we spent the rest of the afternoon sailing the coast of Capri.