It all started with a swipe right and a simple "Hey, Kevin :)" After ample witty banter and the quick shift from names to nicknames, Kevin asked me to join him for dinner in the city. The weekend before what was supposed to be our first date, Kevin went on a trip with the boys to Rhode Island. When he returned to the city he was feeling less than his best and decided "out of an abundance of caution" to postpone our dinner. -He says postpone, I call it canceling LOL- A few unresponsive (on my end) days later, and his perseverance (and charm) wooed me. A new date was set for the following week, and I can still picture the entire magical night as if it were a movie I've watched a million times. I can see Kevin's handsome smile as I sat down at our outdoor table at the Smith... From that moment forward he has never failed to keep me smiling just as brightly. After a record four dates over the span of eight days, we were truly inseparable. I am so lucky to have met my best friend, my partner for life, and my complete soulmate.

Everything was planned out - the ring was ordered weeks in advance, the hotel on Shelter Island was booked, the photographer knew where to hide out, the excuse for an "impromptu weekend getaway" was made (first clue something was up) - but as the big day approached, the diamond still wasn't ready. The jeweler cited covid delays and promised it would be ready soon, but panic was taking hold and I needed a plan B. While this was a sub-optimal situation, I was fortunate for two reasons: the jeweler had a similar band to set the diamond temporarily, and my dad was willing to make sure it got done on time while I had to work (thanks, dad). When I say it came down to the wire, I mean it literally. My dad dropped the ring off at my apartment as Lexi was on her way to meet me to leave for the weekend. I stashed it away with the hidden champagne glasses and we were off. The next day - THE day - I'll admit I was nervous. I got the feeling Lexi suspected something was up so I tried to play it cool (another clue) and not let on that we had plans later that day. Since we were out on the island to "de-stress and get away," we spent the day beach-hopping with a couple of Noons and delicious sandwiches from the market in town. By 2pm I was getting anxious. We were taking an impromptu nap at Sunset Beach but still had to change out of our beach clothes and get to the proposal spot by 4pm. I made the excuse that we should have a drink at our favorite beach before our early dinner reservation (clue) so we should make our way back to get ready. I'm pretty sure it was at this point that I fully tipped my hand but I think Lexi knew all along. The moment had finally arrived. It was golden hour on our favorite beach and the setting was perfect. After fumbling around with the wine and then the hidden ring box, I found the right moment to get down on a knee and ask Lexi to marry me. Through joyful tears she nodded yes, and we can't wait to celebrate her answer with everyone in July!