WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!

Adam first contacted Natasha on the dating website OkCupid with a witty message. She replied and they began to chat back and forth for a week before setting up their first date. They were to meet in person at World of Beer in South Tampa for a drink. Natasha had been fairly new to the online dating scene and was starting to get discouraged by her string of disappointing first (and last) dates. Adam had only been in the Tampa Bay Area for about 6 months since he moved from New York and was familiar with online dating, but hadn't met anyone that captured his interest. Natasha was fashionably late (she got held up at work and was in a rush to get ready for the date). Natasha almost canceled their first meeting because she was frustrated with the dating scene and felt like she did not have much time to prepare. She threw on a purple sweater and yoga pants with boots and tried to tame her wild hair (after being in a scrub hat all day). Needless to say, Adam was early and looked dapper in a collared lilac colored shirt and leather shoes. He was standing at the outside bar facing the street as Natasha walked up. The first thing Natasha noticed was Adam's smile. She thought, "Wow, look at that smile. He's the first guy I've met from online that looks even cuter than his pictures". They ordered a couple beers and began talking about work and their interests. Before they knew it, their drinks were done. Instead of cutting the evening short, Adam suggested continuing the date by having dinner. They walked down the street to Ceviche. The conversation flowed so easily between the two. It was getting late and both Adam and Natasha had to work the next day. As Adam walked Natasha down the sidewalk to go their own ways, he asked Natasha on another date. Of course she said yes. They exchanged a hug and Natasha walked away feeling hopeful. Over the next few weeks, they went on several dates and their relationship blossomed. They both found exactly what they had been looking for.

Adam and Natasha had been talking about getting married for some time. The last few months Adam had been asking Natasha about ring size and style. Natasha knew that Adam would be popping the question soon, but had no idea when or how he planned to do it. She thought maybe he would ask her on their ski trip in Alta, Utah. That didn't happen. Adam had the engagement ring for several weeks. He wasn't exactly sure how he would execute the proposal. He wanted to pick the perfect time and place. On Saturday morning, April 21st Adam suggested they go somewhere outdoors and have a picnic. He googled parks in the area and stumbled upon Alafia River State Park's website and was intrigued. Natasha's coffee hadn't kicked in yet so she was in the mood to just lounge around the apartment. After a little convincing Natasha finally got ready and they headed off on their adventure. They stopped at Wright's deli and loaded up with some delicious treats on the way to the park. They enjoyed their sandwiches and had some cake at the picnic tables before setting out on their hike with what looked like a hand drawn (not to scale) map. They saw gators and turtles along the way. About 5 miles into the hike, Natasha realized they were probably lost and that they really didn't prepare for this hike. They had no more water and the trail was confusing. Adam asked Natasha what she wanted to do that evening. She was a little flustered and brushed off the question. They continued on. Amongst several large trees in an opening of the trail with no one else around, Adam asked her again about the evening plans. She said she didn't know. He suggested they celebrate their engagement. She was so surprised. He started to do a little dance as he said, "I have a ring, will you marry me?" and then pulled out a plastic Target brand ziplock bag with the ring inside of it from his pocket. She was stunned by the bag and he asked her again. She said yes and they embraced each other in that perfect happy moment.