Dalton and I met on a casual night out with friends, a few days before Hurricane Irma in September of 2017. After a quick introduction from a mutual friend and one hurricane later, Dalton sent me a direct message and wanted to meet for coffee. I declined and used the excuse that I was “busy”, but he was persistent. After about a month or so, I finally agreed to meet with him and we went horseback riding on his property. It was easy, like we had been friends forever, which was my only intention; just friends. After spending much time together throughout the next 7 months, only on the premise of friendship, I finally agreed to let Dalton take me on a real date. It was the easiest and loveliest date I had ever been on and something about it was different. He really was my best friend and after a week of trying to fight the feelings that most obviously were suddenly there, I realized that I was falling in love with him. Shortly after, on Easter Sunday, we met each other’s families. This was the day that I knew he was the one.

We were on vacation with Dalton’s family in Boca Grande; a trip they take every year. On the day he proposed, everything was as usual. We went fishing that morning and then had lunch at one of our favorite restaurants. That afternoon, his parents let us know that we were going out to dinner that night and then taking some family pictures afterward. I of course thought nothing of it since they do this every year, and even I myself suggested we get a photo of everyone for their Christmas card. I practically hand picked the spot for the photos. After all the different groups got their photos in, Dalton suggested that we get some more photos together. I paused for a moment and thought it weird that he wanted to take more photos, since he would usually never suggest such a thing. After a few more photos, someone said “look, there’s some tarpon over there!” If you know me, you know two things about me. 1: If you tell me you see a fish in the water, I will always be interested and 2: I am very easily distracted. As soon as I turned my head to look I knew in my gut “this is it.” I was in such shock at the realization that I was scared to turn around and physically couldn’t make my body move. Dalton finally had to tap on my shoulder to make me turn around. When I did turn around, there he was on one knee with the most beautiful ring in his hand and tears running down his face. I couldnt believe he was asking me to be his wife. After many happy tears and hugs we headed to the same restaurant where we had lunch earlier that day. I had hoped my parents would be there waiting for us. Much to my excitement they were there, but it wasn’t just my parents. It was many of our family members and some of our closest friends. At that moment, it became real that we were actually engaged. It was a night that I couldn’t have planned better myself, and I could not believe that Dalton had put it all together to ask me to be his wife.