We're getting married

We met in July 2018 in Charlotte, NC and quickly hit it off! We spent that summer and fall hiking and exploring many waterfalls and scenic views in the Blue Ridge Mountains. For that first Christmas, we unknowingly both decided to make each other handmade gifts. (Katie surprised Jon with photographs of his newly acquired BMW & Jon surprised Katie with a custom made sewing toolbox) Little did we know, this would be the start of many handmade gifts to come!

10 MONTHS OUT: While out for a hike, Jon suggests to start ring shopping. 8 MONTHS OUT: Together they start ring shopping and designing a custom ring. Jon decides a custom ring needs a custom box to match. 7 MONTHS OUT: Unbeknownst to Katie, Jon starts to research and designs the box. 6 MONTHS OUT: Jon 3D prints his first prototype and continues to refine the design. He begins sourcing materials for the final build. 4 MONTHS OUT: Jon begins planning out the proposal location and day. 3 MONTHS OUT: Ring box prototypes are complete. Jon makes three. Work begins on the final box which will be made out of walnut and brass. 2 MONTHS OUT: Jon asks Katie’s parents for her hand in marriage. He begins researching several proposal locations on Mackinac Island, MI. 1 MONTH OUT: Jon reaches out to one of Katie’s childhood friends to plan out the proposal details. WEEK OF: Jon works 5am to 10pm every day to finish ring box before the trip to Michigan. Katie is suspicious (he looks very tired.) He convinces Katie to plan a trip to Mackinaw Island with her family and local friends, disguising it as a hiking trip to view the beautiful fall colors. DAY OF: Jon and Katie go to Mackinac Island by ferry boat with Katie’s parents and two childhood friends. Upon arriving on the island, the group hikes to Sunset Rock to enjoy the scenic view from the island. Everyone takes turns posing for photos. As Jon and Katie are posing for photos, Jon turns to Katie, kneels on one knee, and asks the big question with the ring and box sparkling in hand. She says YES and cries with tears of joy. Following the proposal, the group celebrates the occasion by riding tandem bikes around the island and enjoying the scenic views. The day concludes with an after party thrown by Katie’s friends to celebrate it all!