One year ago, Louie messaged Allie on Match.com (it gets more interesting, I promise). After a few weeks of chatting, Louie was ready to finally meet in-person. Allie, on the other hand, had already been talking to someone else (PLAYER). Because she felt more invested in the other person, she turned Louie down... Three months go by and Allie receives a text message from Louie. Allie had just broken-up with the guy who she originally chose, so maybe it was Louie's chance! The two of them exchanged friendly conversation for a couple of weeks and then Louie popped the "can we meet in person?" question again. At this point, Allie had no desire to date or get close to anyone, so she turned Louie down...again. Four more months pass and Allie finds herself randomly thinking about that sweet North Carolina boy who she had turned down twice. She really wanted to text him, but assumed that there was no way he would still be interested. The very next day she received a message from Louie! DESPERATE... Two weeks later, they met in Sugar Grove, NC at a beautiful Airbnb on top of the mountains (the same location they are having their wedding on October 12th!). The two have been inseparable ever since!

This is a long story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles. Louie wanted to propose to Allie on their trip to surprise his mother for her birthday. He had a beach home rented in Washington & was planning to propose to Allie while whale watching on the coast. Everything had been going according to plan--Allie's parents gave Louie their blessing, a jeweler was designing a beautiful ring for her, & the couple was just finishing up a wonderful time spent in Denver together. As soon as the wheels touched the ground from Denver, Louie was welcomed home to bad news--his dog was at the ER Vet. Turns out, Otis broke his leg (which is code for "lots of money out of Louie's wallet"). Due to this mishap, Louie made a quick audible call on the proposal plan. He was obviously upset about having to change the plan, but he was excited about receiving the ring in a few days. Just before Allie and Louie are to head to Seattle, Louie gets a delivered notification for the ring and races home after work. Nothing is found... Needless to say it was pure disappointment. Knowing that Allie loved Louie and would understand, another audible was called and a temporary stand-in ring was found days before departure. Louie woke Allie up the morning of April 20th for a surprise breakfast at Cafe Flora. After breakfast they ventured over to the water to go row boating through the arboretum. The weather was still a little rainy despite forecasts saying it would be sunny. The couple gets in the row boat and Louie quickly realizes this is too much boat for one man to row. The audible to a canoe was made and Louie hoped he could find a good place to dock and pop the question. Unfortunately, the planned place to dock the boat was being cleared of brush, but eventually they were able to find an empty dock where Louie popped the question. Allie answered with a resounding YES! They celebrated with waterside Rose and rowed back in triumphantly.