Some four odd years ago, we met via mutual friends and bonded over cheap beers at tApp Room in Boone, NC. As all our friends graduated, we both took some extra time (oops)—extra time graduating, extra time laughing, extra time growing, extra time that allowed us to fall in love in our small mountain town. We continue to fall in love in our big city of Charlotte, and despite all of the challenges and changes, our love for one another has never changed. If you get to spend forever with your best friend, you're pretty lucky. Cheers to forever!

A crazy, sweaty, just cheesy enough scavenger hunt led to an "X" marking the spot on Wrightsville Beach, which led to a note buried in the sand that read: "My love for you is like the ocean, it's vast and deep and full of devotion. Through life's treats and through its tricks; I would be honored if you would be Mrs. Ricks." Tears, champagne, photos, more champagne, and a big huge YES! followed.