We knew from the beginning that we wanted the intimate parts of our wedding to stay private, and the engagement was the first part of that. Michael picked out a few spots he had in mind that meant a lot to us - Grandfather Mountain, Pilot Mountain, and a section of the Yadkin Valley River where the local Blue Herons live, and where we often go swimming in the summer. Grandfather Mountain was crossed off the list after a few fatigued days. When the morning of the day-trip came, Lilith decided that she would rather stay home, and to preserve the secret, Michael agreed. A few weekends later, we planned to enjoy the good weather again. We knew there were storms brewing, so we spent the day together after Lilith got off work and headed up to the Knob. We watched the clouds roll in as we looked across the stunning view of the knob. We started down the foot trail which marked the location of one of our very first dates. Shortly after, we had to turn around as thunder started cracking and rain drops began to fall. Michael told Lilith there was one more place he wanted to go before the day was over. The sun was starting to get lower, and there was no more rain when we got back to Mount Airy. We made our way to the Yadkin River access and sat by the river on our favorite rocks. A serene moment of peace filled us both as we looked out over the river, just the two of us, no one else around. That was when Michael decided to ask the question. Tears of joy and an astounding "Yes!" later - here we are!

Soft, Composed, Attentive, Secure, and Romantic. I'm sure I am not the only person to ever use these words to describe their partner. But these are not traits that have been common in my life. Michael is a gift from the universe, packaged up into a man I will never be able to fully express my endearment with. He is soft like a bed of moss next to a creek. He is composed like the score of a long lost musician of the past. He is attentive like a ingenious crow, plotting his next move. He is secure, like a decades old iron wrought fence. He is strong like the roots of an centuries old oak tree, worshipped by time. These words will never be enough. Through all possibilities... only you.

Thank you to all our family and friends, who have supported us through the highs and lows of everyday life. Thank you to Kayla, the most incredible mother in law that I could ask for. You have blessed my life with your creativity and generosity. You inspire me daily. Thank you to Liz and Brad, who have been nothing but supportive of me pursuing my passions and career. Thank you for welcoming me in to your lives with open arms. Thank you to my brother, for being my best friend, and for having sleepovers with me even when we were crammed into my 400sq ft apartment.