Like any good love story, ours starts on Tinder. We matched after my first trip to North Carolina to visit my Maid of Honor, McKenzie after she moved. Although it was a short-term visit, it definitely changed our lives. When the official move happened, we both ended up working at the Burke County Department of Social Services. We had many passes in the hallways and awkward conversations over mediocre break room coffee. Matthew made a move and asked me out on our first date. A date that was over three hours away in Raleigh NC and lasted over twelve hours. After two museums, one dinner, a movie, several hours of driving and talking, and many check-ins with family and friends, we weren’t sick of each other, nor did we end up as an episode of "The First 48."

The proposal is nothing short of an interesting story. Matthew had put together a rather well thought out plan that included a walk around the gorgeous property of his friend's house, rock hunting, great friends, and much more. What we didn’t plan for was the “series of unfortunate events” that occurred within the 24 hour time frame leading up to the planned proposal. A few adult beverages, angry rants, and missed opportunities brought us back home for the night. I had recalled earlier in the day the mention of a “surprise” and I was thinking it was something silly and small. I never expected Matthew to roll out of bed, grab an antique vessel from the night stand, and ask me to marry him right then and there in our pajamas at 11pm. Saying “yes” was a no brainer.