We Eloped!

In August of 2021, Krista had just moved to Ohio, where Dalton had lived since age 10, for her psychology residency. She quickly learned that one of the best ways to have fun outside of work was to go dancing at the local country bar, The Yellow Rose. By November, Krista and her coworker Kristine had become regulars at The Rose. On the night of November 5, 2021 (or maybe early morning November 6...it's a hotly debated detail), Krista spotted Dalton from across the dance floor and pointed him out to Kristine. In true Kristine fashion, she dragged Krista over to introduce her to the tall man with immaculate dance moves. Within minutes Krista was down on one knee proposing to Dalton and shortly after they were talking about moving across the country, or even to New Zealand, together. Unfortunately, Krista got cold feet so for the time being, they would remain friends. In the months that followed, Krista and Dalton fell into a comfortable friendship. Dalton was steadfastly there for Krista from late night Taco Bell runs and making sure she did all the local Christmas activities, to helping her move in bookcases, teaching her how to fish (the kind where you never catch any fish), and lounging by the poolside. Every so often Dalton would check in and remind Krista that if she was ever ready, he'd love to take her on a date. Each time Krista would tell him she was too worried for their friendship to take on a different form. But Dalton never wavered in his friendship. Over time Krista began to realize that life without Dalton wouldn't make sense. She may have even felt a little (okay a lot) of jealousy when he'd talk about going on dates with other women. On July 30, 2022, Dalton and Krista were fishing on the river when Krista hinted that she might be ready to take a risk and try out graduating from friendship. Dalton continued to wait patiently until Krista told him that she was ready. By mid August of 2022, Dalton and Krista had become inseparable and Krista realized how foolish she'd been to wait so long to date such an incredible man. By July 2023 Dalton and Krista had moved to North Carolina together, finally actualizing the promise they'd made to each other the night they met. On July 30, 2024, Dalton proposed to Krista on a boat while fishing in Mesick, Michigan, two years to the day after she told him that she was ready for their relationship to change. Dalton and Krista married on November 5, 2024 at Lake Cammack in Burlington, NC--a frequent hiking spot. The ceremony was officiated by Krista's best friend, Emjay. Dalton and Krista will be changing their last name to Elessar (eventually). The word "Elessar" comes from The Lord of the Rings and translates to "Elf Stone." It is said that “those who looked through the stone saw things that were withered or burned healed again or as they were in the grace of their youth, and that the hands of one who held it brought to all that they touched healing from hurt" (Unfinished Tales of Numenor and Middle-earth, Part IV). Dalton's presence in Krista's life has led to healing and rediscovery of youthfulness that she didn't know was possible, Krista feels that her purpose in life is to help people heal, and they both endeavor to always leave the world better than they found it. Dalton and Krista's foundation of friendship that developed for almost a year before they began dating has only strengthened. Dalton remains Krista's rock, and Krista has never stopped bringing unpredictable, but fun, chaos to Dalton's life. For two people who were always looking for their person in the world of dating apps, neither of them ever expected to meet their other half on a dance floor in a country bar in Ohio. *Pictured below: Dalton and Krista 5 minutes after meeting.*