💕We're getting married 💕

September 4, 2022 Melissa was over the single life, so she’d fall into a routine: install dating apps, swipe for a couple of days, chat with some guys, wonder why she even bothered, and delete them—only to start the cycle again. (Let’s be honest, if you’ve used a dating app, you know the drill!) Meanwhile, Kyle was doing “Kyle things” and visiting family in North Carolina. One Sunday in September, fate intervened. The Queen Bee and the Drone found each other’s profiles on Bumble and swiped right. For those unfamiliar with Bumble, the woman has to make the first move—so it was up to Melissa to break the ice. Wanting to stand out, she noticed Kyle’s profile mentioned his love of travel and asked, “Where’s your favorite place to travel?” His response? “North Carolina.” (LOL!) Kyle also mentioned he was thinking about moving to Sanford to be closer to family and start fresh. They hit it off and chatted for a few days… until Kyle ghosted Melissa. (Dating apps, am I right?) Eventually, he reached back out, explaining he was in the process of moving to NC. Soon after, Kyle made the trip to Fayetteville for their first date on September 28, 2022. Dinner was at Mi Casita, and it clearly went well because just a week and a half later, Kyle asked Melissa to be his girlfriend. Since then, Melissa and Kyle have built a life filled with love and shared experiences. They enjoy spending time together, whether it’s going out to eat, exploring new places, or spending time outside. They’ve grown to appreciate life’s simple joys, and their love for each other has only deepened along the way. Of course, no story about Melissa would be complete without mentioning Dash, her beloved tripawd cat. Kyle's love for Dash was evident from the start. Dash was happy with or without Kyle. But after time, Dash came around and decided he did like having Kyle in his life, which was a relief—because let’s be real, Melissa would have picked the cat over the guy. Thankfully, Kyle passed the test with flying colors, and now Dash is just as much Kyle’s buddy as he is Melissa’s, even though he clearly picks laying on his mommy's lap over the "bonus human's lap". Fast forward to December 2024 Kyle had plans to propose during a midweek date night in downtown Fayetteville. But the weekend before, Melissa suggested a trip to see the Christmas lights at Cape Fear Botanical Garden. (Unknowingly, she became an accomplice in planning her own proposal!) Kyle agreed and decided it was the perfect moment. As they strolled through the lights, Kyle found a quiet, zen-like spot away from the crowd. Nervously, he got down on one knee, opened a ring box with a light shining on the most beautiful ring, and asked, “Will you marry me?” Through her surprise and happy tears, Melissa managed to say, “Yes!” The wedding planning began the very next day because they couldn’t wait to celebrate their love with the people who matter most. They can't wait to see everyone in September!