Andrew and I actually met for the first time when we were both working at A Taste of History in Greenfield Village. It was 2015, I was 19 and he was 17. His mom, Marion, also worked with us! At first, we didn’t really talk much, but I specifically remember talking to him more during Holiday Nights of that year. Then, in 2016, we both transferred to work on the summe team as historical presenters. Since we knew each other from before, we already had a bond. Over time, we began texting and we became good friends. He asked me out on a date and we went to the DIA, Detroit Historical Museum, & Hopcat on November 12th, 2016. Then, on December 19th, 2016, he asked me to be his girlfriend. I said “sure”, and the rest is history! (No, he will not let me forget about that “sure” answer haha).

We had begun talking about the potential of getting engaged pretty early on. We were sure we were going to marry each other after only a short time-it was just deciding on when would be best for us. We were still pretty young, after all, and working toward new careers & finishing school. Though I knew he would do it soon (because we picked out rings together), I did not know when exactly he would pop the question. We were on a family vacation with both of our families in our favorite city, New Orleans, when it finally happened! We were on board the Creole Queen paddleboat for a jazz river cruise, and while we were on the dance floor with all of our parents watching, he got down on one knee & proposed. Of course I said yes! The boat erupted into applause and the band leader even sang us a special song (honestly I dont remember most of it-it was all a blur but it was fun!) i remember the ring was a temporary ring, since the ring we picked out together wouldnt be there in time. But he was smart-i expected something small & cheap, but he knew people would be asking to see it so he got me a beautiful temporary one. He is always thinking ahead! Anyway, the proposal was so perfect with all of our loved ones there and in our favorite city. One last big wonderful memory before the world shut down later that month for covid!