Though we grew up (mostly) in the same city, we didn't meet until we matched on a dating app! We immediately bonded on the app over our mutual love of Parks and Recreation. He asked me out to at a pub in East Nashville, and, as usual, I was fashionably late. We had some great conversation, and I was flattered (and nervous!) when he asked me to continue the date with dinner at another place. Not even an hour after we left the restaurant, he texted me asking me on a second date two days later. After a few more dates and many thoughtful and witty texts from Devin, we decided to make it official, and a few months later, we fell in love. If you know Devin, it's not hard to see why he won me over. He is genuine, kind, intelligent, easygoing, and occasionally funny, despite his terrible dad jokes [ED NOTE - The groom disputes that any of the jokes have been "terrible"]. He is the most loyal person I know and always places his loved ones before himself. He brings out the best in me, and I feel so lucky to have him as my partner for life.

From just about the moment we started talking, I knew Laura was a person I wanted to be around. Our first date was supposed to be a casual meeting over drinks, but I didn't want it to end. I asked her to dinner right there, and despite me suggesting we go to a Mexican restaurant, she said yes. The night quickly passed and I soon realized that we were the only customers left there. Our early days dating were all about getting to see each other as much as possible. We squeezed in as many dates as we could before she left for a trip to Italy, and as soon as she got back, we immediately started up again. Not long after that, we'd spend every weekend together. During the week, I'd spend what little free time I had after work with her and her parents, who I was also getting to know and love. Everyone who has had a chance to meet Laura knows how great she is. She is so full of life and love, and she's incredibly sharp and sweet at the same time. The absolutely worst thing about her is that whenever I introduce her to any of my friends, they end up liking her more than me! Which is absolutely fair, though. She is pretty great. Now, our situation has changed and it's a lot easier to see each other. I still feel so lucky to be able to spend time with her. When she's gone, I miss her just as before. Asking her to marry me was one of the easiest choices I have ever made, and I am so happy that we get to spend our lives together.

On a Sunday in May, Devin asked if I could leave work early on Friday to go to Cheekwood (a botanical garden and art museum here in Nashville). There was an artist's exhibit that was leaving soon, and that was the only time that would work. I told him I would check with my boss, but I promptly forgot about it - for the next two days. By Wednesday, he had asked me every day if I had checked with my boss, so I got a little suspicious, but still didn't think he was planning to propose yet. Then, on Friday morning, he made me breakfast in bed. Again, I was a little suspicious, but Devin is also the sweetest and it's not terribly rare for him to bring me breakfast in bed. Friday afternoon, we roamed the grounds of Cheekwood and saw the exhibit he was purportedly excited about. We then wandered the grounds looking for a good spot to take pictures. Fortunately, we found a beautiful secluded spot in the gardens. Even more fortunately, there was another couple coming down too. Devin excitedly ran over to ask if they could take our picture. They agreed, and we posed in front of some flowers. It took me a good minute to realize that he was down on one knee with a box in his hand. I nervously and excitedly gripped his shoulder as he spoke some beautiful words (few of which I remember), and he showed me the ring and asked me to marry him. Obviously, I said yes! But he had some more surprises up his sleeve. He recommended I don't tell my mom yet. We were going to their house for dinner, and he thought that we should tell them together then. He also told me he hadn't told anyone else. Of course, when we turned on their street, I immediately saw cars lining the block and yelled "I KNEW IT!" He and my mom had invited friends and family to come celebrate - almost everyone knew about the proposal before I did! He did such a great job - everything was absolutely perfect.