No one will be surprised that Madeline and Adam’s first date included their dogs, Molly and Buggy. On September 9, 2021, they met at West Street, a dog park and brewery in downtown Raleigh. After introducing themselves, and their dogs, to each other, they grabbed a seat in the park and let the dogs run and play. Madeline and Adam talked for hours about their mutual love of Carolina basketball, musical theater, and trivia. Adam proved himself to be a knight in shining armor by picking Molly up and comforting her when a much larger dog scared her, not knowing that was exactly how to win Madeline’s heart. Madeline and Adam spent the entire date finding similarities they didn’t know they shared, differences they admired and their dreams for the future. At the end of the night, the park closed but neither wanted the date to be over. Adam offered to walk Madeline to her car, and Madeline purposefully took the longest route back to have a few more minutes together. After parting, they couldn’t wait to see each other again and planned their next date that same night.

On a beautiful Sunday morning, Madeline awoke to find a bouquet of flowers alongside an envelope that read "Clue #1." Inside that envelope was the first clue of a scavenger hunt that Madeline would have to complete. With each new clue, Madeline was led to a location that held significance in their relationship. Later that day, a clue instructed Madeline to go the Old Well on the campus of their alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There, Adam was waiting for her and explained that they would need to find the last clue together. Hand in hand, the two of them then walked to the Coker Arboretum. Surrounded by beautiful autumn foliage, Adam told Madeline how much he loved her and reminisced on the joy she had brought to his life. He then retrieved an envelope from his jacket and gave it to Madeline. Facing away from Adam, Madeline opened the envelope and read the last clue: "This is the last clue, but let's keep the fun going. I want to spend my life with you, continually growing. I hope that you agree and want the same thing. What wonderful memories a lifetime can bring. So we've made it to this, a true milestone for us, but there's something important that we need to discuss. And I have a little something that I'd like you to see. Please turn around and answer . . ." Madeline turned to face Adam and found him on one knee with tears of joy in his eyes. "Will you marry me," he asked. At that moment, Adam heard the sweetest "YES" he'd ever heard, and thus began the rest of their lives together. We hope that you can join us as they declare their love for one another and celebrate this momentous occasion with their close friends and family.