We're getting married!

We matched on a dating app when Joe commented on my profile where I divulged my secret talent; parallel parking. We barely spoke leading up to the date, in fact I wasn’t even sure we were still on til the morning of. We decided to meet in Salem so Joe could show me around town (I didn’t realize he was basically the mayor of Salem and I would meet all of his friends and coworkers on our first date...oops). We met at the ferry, Joe was late. I still remember the first thing he ever said to me; “oh hello”. I was immediately pleasantly surprised he was taller than I thought - wow someone who didn’t lie about their height! We instantly bonded over our love of the 99 while we walked to our first location for a drink. I was struck by how funny and charming and easy going Joe was. It was roughly 3 locations later when Joe suggested we get tacos (the key to my heart!). I remember texting Lila from the bathroom “Joe is FUNNNN!”. Fast forward to picking up Nash from day care, visiting his work, a chicken sandwich at a beer garden and crashing a wedding, we realized how GOOD our connection was and I’ll never forget Joe saying “is it just me or does it feel like we’ve known each other forever?”. Let’s not forget that Joe asked me to marry him on this epic first date and I told him he was crazy, but the truth is he wasn’t. He already knew, this connection was real. Joe showed me true love and his fun, selfless, caring spirit since day one and I couldn’t be more lucky to be marrying him 🤍

Heather was busy planning a jam packed birthday weekend for me. She had met up with a friend earlier that day and was headed home before going to Salem for dinner and a Mahi Mahi sunset cruise. Before we left for Salem, we had to make sure Nash went on a good dog walk since he would be alone for quite a while. I knew I wanted to propose this weekend but wasn't sure when or where. We headed to Maudslay State Park in Newburyport for our Nash walk. We went through the hidden garden, along the trails and Nash pulled us down a trail we had never been on before by the water. I looked up and saw a little bridge over a creek up the hill in the woods and knew that's where I was going to propose! When we got to the bridge, we stopped to look down at the creek flow to the river. I said I has some sand in my shoe so I crouched down to get the sand out. I gave Heather the leash for Nash and at the same time I crouched down she did too showing Nash the creek. I said "Hey babe" to get her attention and as soon as she looked over I was on my left knee, holding out her engagement ring saying "Will you marry me?". She asked me about 7 times if I was kidding and if it was real! Of course I wasn't kidding because she's the best thing that has ever happened to me and SHE SAID YES! We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you. See you at The Smith Barn!