We briefly met while we both attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2007-2008. We knew each other and had many mutual friends, but we rarely spoke beyond a "hi" or "bye." Fast forward to summer 2016 at the Democratic National Convention in Philly. We were both working 12 hour days (at least!) and we ran into each other at one of the many receptions. We started chatting in the corner about what we've been doing since IUP days, and we ended up attending the rest of the DNC events together that week. We went from receptions together, to dates and IUP trips together and the rest is history.

Once I received our families' blessings, it was time to master a plan to propose. Knowing how much Mellie cherishes her family, and how much her late grandmother, Tina Thompson meant to her, I knew that I wanted to propose around family. In many conversations with Mellie, she regrets that her grandmother isn't here to see her get married and have a family. She always bragged about the corridor in Philadelphia City Hall that is named "Tina's Walk" in her grandmother's honor. I knew immediately that I wanted to propose in that special place. It would allow for both families to come together and be a part of the special moment, as well as include Melissa's Mom-Mom Tina. I put my plan into action-- I got in touch with Melissa's vice president at work and asked if they could put a meeting at City Hall on Melissa's calendar for Monday. That Monday morning, Mellie was getting dressed and mentioned she had a meeting in City Hall around noon. I told Mellie that I had meetings there, too, and we should meet before her meeting so she could show me the "Tina's Walk" memorial. Rushing to her "meeting", she fussed that she only had a few minutes because she couldn't be late. Meanwhile, families, close friends and co-workers got to city hall about 15 minutes before Melissa was scheduled to arrive and were hiding in the stairwell next to the memorial, waiting anxiously to be a part of the big surprise. I met Melissa at the elevator and we walked down the long hallway together, approaching the memorial. As we stopped in front of the memorial, dozens of people came from the stairwell and Melissa was in shock. Once she saw her coworkers and her freelance photographer from work, she realized this was all a big trick and she turned to see me on one knee. I asked her to continue being my best friend and would she do the honor of being my wife. Her first response was "of course I will!' followed by an official "YES!"