Our first date was on August 13, 2015 at Old Ebbitt Grill. Evan arrived early and being the perfect gentleman, waited outside for Liz. However, since it was August in DC, that decision almost turned disastrous. After 20 minutes, Evan became a sweaty, hot mess as Liz arrived to the restaurant. Despite his unfortunate condition, Evan smiled at Liz and she knew immediately he was different than any date before. While the restaurant was packed, Liz found two chairs at the back bar that were in a perfect spot for Liz to be front and center at the bar and provided Evan the ample flow of air conditioning. We had a few drinks, some oysters, and spent the night talking about upstate New York, Harry Potter, politics and baseball. Afterwards, we walked over to the Freedom Plaza just enjoying each other's company. Several dates proceeded over the next week and we have not looked back since.

Evan planned to propose to Liz in her hometown of Delmar, NY when they were visiting her parents over Thanksgiving. On the 26th, after their original plans changed, Liz suggested the two of them go grab lunch at the Sagamore Resort on Lake George. Liz had confessed to Evan (several times) that this was her dream location for a wedding. Evan, realizing this was the perfect opportunity, claimed to "forget" his wallet as they walked to the car and ran upstairs to grab the ring from his luggage. After driving an hour and a half, they were puzzled by how empty the hotel looked, and came to find that the resort was closed for the holidays. Annoyed, but determined, Liz did not want to waste the trip without at least showing Evan the property. At the same time, Evan wondered how he was going to propose so that this moment would be special for the both of them. Liz took Evan around the hotel towards the lake and started pointing out the resort's features, half jokingly showing Evan where the cocktail hour and reception would be held. Once they reached the waterfront, Liz stopped and said, "And this is where the ceremony would be held." She then asked, "So what do you think? Do you think you could do this?" Evan all of a sudden become very serious and said, "Yes, I could," which completely took Liz aback. A bit bewildered, but not missing a beat, she repeated the question assuming he was not paying attention. At that moment, Evan reached into his coat pocket, got down on one knee, and answered again, "Yes, I could." He then asked Liz if she would marry him.