Our mutual friends, Courtney Pierchoski and Mitch Curry, thought they were being clever and both invited us to Easter service to match-make us. We came, we worshipped, we went to brunch. Neither of us had a clue we were being set up. Mitch and Courtney just got engaged and we thought it would be a fun idea to take engagement photos for them in the park. Amanda was the brilliant photographer, Jay was the dazzling lighting designer. Amanda went full Edna Mode and Jay played along. Amanda remembers feeling really comfortable being herself. Jay remembers laughing nonstop. Mitch and Courtney left. We were left staring at each other in romantic Central Park newly minted friends. We quickly made our awkward good-byes. Nine months later Amanda invited Jay to her bible study, and shortly thereafter our adventure really started.

Jay's thoughts: For our year anniversary, I found a scenic hiking trail in Upstate New York for us to explore since Amanda loves hiking. I was excited to show her the views from all the mountain peaks. I also couldn't wait to find the perfect secluded place away from the crowd to share this moment with her. By the second peak, I realized the ring wasn't in my pocket, but in my pack. While Amanda was distracted at the tallest peak I hid to take it out. On our way back down, I led Amanda to a bluff for another view. As she turned to go back down the trail I got on one knee. Easiest question I've ever asked. Amanda's thoughts: I knew he was going to do it, but I was still excited--he told our friend Hannah to take me to get my nails done. When Jay said there were multiple bluffs he is not kidding. I almost had a heart attack at each one thinking, "is he going to do it here?!" Finally, at the bluff that Jay described, we were standing there forever and I thought the romantic moment had passed, so I said, "ok let's hike." I walk a little bit and Jay quietly said my name. I turned around thinking he wanted me to apply sunscreen and he was on one knee. I paused because I wanted to take the moment in and remember it, I answered him what felt like forever later, but was probably only 10-15 seconds. Easiest yes.