Melissa and James met in the summer of 2018, after Melissa graduated college and right before James began medical school. After the first couple of dates, James thought Melissa didn't like him (because she was pretty aloof and he was slightly neurotic). She did like him though! After their first trip to an amusement park together, a shared enthusiasm, James had finally built up the courage to ask Melissa if she would like to officially date. However, James was not very explicit at all, and Melissa wasn't sure until weeks later. Oops!

James had a fool-proof plan for the engagement: propose to Melissa at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, a beautiful setting where they had shared numerous dates. He even booked a hotel room at a very fancy hotel in Richmond for that night as a surprise! He spent the next few weeks building an engagement ring box and ensuring that his sister or brother-in-law would be able to take pictures of the scene. Every detail was planned and the wheels were in motion. However, two days prior to the engagement, James noticed that the weather had decided to play an audible, and the forecast now predicted heavy rain on what was going to be this couple's happiest day! On the night before the planned engagement, James decided that the new venue was to be the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, another common date spot. Further issues arose when the photographers could no longer make it - but James's mom rescued the day, even after having been up all night with a new grandbaby. Despite the sudden change of plans and that Melissa sensed James's nervous energy, the proposal was a success! The couple celebrated by exploring the museum further and having a glass of wine in the cafe.