Phil and Melissa have known each other since middle school, and grew up in the same lake community. They were friends for many years, but dated other people in high school and college. After college, they started hanging out again and going out a lot with a bunch of friends. They remained ‘just friends’ until Christmas 2018, when Phil decided to make his move, and kissed Melissa under the mistletoe. After dating for a year, Phil and Melissa decided to move in together, and almost a year later, Phil proposed!

On a beautiful trip to upstate NY for Melissa’s birthday, Phil popped the question to Melissa among some of their closest friends and family at Magnanini Winery. With the help of these very special people, Phil planned the perfect proposal. There were photos strung from the pergola, a giant bouquet of flowers, a heart made of tealight candles on the ground, and single roses lining the walkway leading up to the table. While everyone hid away, he read from a card in which he had written the sweetest and most heartfelt words to Melissa before getting down on one knee and proposing!