Like most people these days, we met on-line. After only talking for a few days, we met for lunch at Sam’s Place in Belle Meade (A part of Nashville). Steven had to go to work so we couldn’t stay and chat longer, but we instantly clicked. Eli felt a little brave and offered to come over to cook dinner for Steven that night since she had so much fun at lunch. Ever since that day we have been inseparable!! Over the next year, we enjoyed lots of laughs and made lots of memories...a trip to Steven’s home in Minnesota, a weekend at Eli’s parents house in NC, snuggle sessions with Addy and our dogs, Izzy and Maggie, as well as making plans for our future. Little did Eli know, Steven had planned everything perfectly for “date day” on a January 25, 2019. We went to the gun range that morning, where Eli learned to shoot, and then for a walk at Rockland Recreation area by the lake in Hendersonville. Eli was focused on stepping on seeds to make them pop and admiring how beautiful the lake was that day, while Steven was getting ready to pop the question. When they came to what is now “their tree,” Steven hugged Eli and turned her to see the personalized Cracker Jack box (something we’ve always joked about) that was carefully placed in the tree’s hollowed out area asking her to marry him. Immediately, Eli said “are you serious right now?!?” He then got down on one knee and put the ring he made out of oak on her finger, asking her to marry him, to which she said “of course, yes!” All the while, Steven’s neighbor (and professional photographer) Tammie was taking pictures. Eli has always loved the idea of a secret photographer to take pictures of the engagement, but Steven scoffed at the idea. Steven had also arranged for dinner to celebrate with Eli’s mom and dad that night, which Eli almost ruined a few days before. It couldn’t have been more perfect! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!