We're Getting Married!

A Facebook message on a Tuesday in October 2014... Nathan: "Hi, this is pretty random, but I think you are totally beautiful. I unfortunately have no clue who you are as a person, and since I’m leaving the country, my timing couldn’t be worse. So unless you’re into WWII hopeless romanticism and communicating across the Atlantic for 7 months, (which unfortunately not many are), I just wanted you to know that if you and I were ever geographically close that I would undoubtedly ask you to go on a date with me in an attempt to get to know you. And that I think your eyes and smile are gorgeous. And that this was meant in a nice, sincere, least awkward as possible way. Have a great rest of your week." That message turned into Nathan booking a flight to Massachusetts and taking Heather on their first date to see a Patriots game in Foxboro, MA. The game was Thursday and Nathan planned to surprise his family on Friday for one last visit before he deployed. The two met again on Saturday where they spent the day gallivanting in Newport, RI and dancing the night away. Nathan flew back to South Carolina on Sunday and deployed on Tuesday. Skype dates, phone calls, care packages, and letters kept them close over the 7 months. When Nathan returned in May, the two enjoyed a week long cruise to Bermuda. In June, the U-Haul was packed and Heather was on her way to South Carolina. The adventure started and hasn't stopped!

Heather and Nathan were home for Christmas and bouncing between families in New Hampshire. Nathan suggested taking one night for themselves and spending it up in the Franconia Notch area. He had planned to take Heather on a sleigh ride Wednesday evening, but it hadn't snowed enough! Snow was coming and the ride was rescheduled for Thursday morning. The two checked into the Inn at Sunset Hill in Sugar Hill, NH and enjoyed dinner at the Common Man. Thursday morning after breakfast, they traveled down the road for their sleigh ride. About halfway through, the driver stopped and asked Heather and Nathan to get out and take some pictures with Charlie the horse and the trees in the background. After a few pictures, they stepped back to the sleigh and Heather got in. Nathan stood beside her and asked to take a few more pictures. Heather wasn't sure why he wasn't getting back in the sleigh, but soon found out as he started throwing rose petals in the air and getting down on one knee. They both don't remember what Nathan said, but it was definitely full of love and he definitely popped the question! Heather said yes and the video shows the approval of Charlie the horse. They finished their sleigh ride just as it started to snow again.