John Mark and Madeline first met at UVA (John Mark was two years older). They were simply acquaintances at college and during the first few post-grad years in DC. Little did either know that the other had a budding interest! In 2017, Madeline was stopping through London with friends when she reached out to John Mark, who had moved to the city for an expat position with his company. After a lovely one-on-one catchup, Madeline’s crush on John Mark was bigger than ever! She was very excited when John Mark asked her out a few times as he stopped through DC the rest of that year. They decided to take the leap and officially start dating in April 2018, and they managed to foster a wonderful transatlantic relationship. Two years later, John Mark accepted a new position with his company back in DC, and moved back a month earlier than planned due to the outbreak of COVID. Despite the quick pivot from long distance to COVID companionship, their love for each other grew even more, and here they are!

John Mark wanted to surprise Madeline, and he planned a date and location when she would least expect it. The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, John Mark texted Madeline photos of himself and his nephews at his parents’ house in Richmond, noting his excitement to spend the week there with family. Early Wednesday morning, John Mark secretly flew to Atlanta. Madeline’s dad picked him from the airport and dropped him off in the middle of Chastain Park. John Mark waited behind a bush for 45 minutes with a coffee and a bouquet of roses in hand. As predicted, Madeline woke up and asked her parents if they wanted to go on a walk around the park (which is adjacent to their house). Her parents casually agreed. Twenty minutes into the walk, John Mark walked out of his hiding spot and surprised Madeline with a proposal! She said yes!