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We met in college but fell in love way, way, way later. My memories of Danielle? Me and my wild lacrosse teammates giving her a hard time for all of the things we weren't doing: Prioritizing grades, never missing class, working a part-time job before and after soccer practices, and studying on week nights. Needless to say, I never had the know-how to actually spark up an organic conversion with my future wife without joshing her for being a responsible student-athlete!!! Flash-forward four years--Cory and Miranda Brown's wedding. One night spent reveling over the Brown's ice cream station turned into a spur-of-the-moment FaceTime call three weeks later from a Charlotte hotel room. My random Facetime call turned into an every night routine as I transitioned into a new job in the Queen City. We talked (mostly just me) almost every night after that first call, and the rest is history! Raleigh to Charlotte and back to Raleigh. We drove for a year before stepping into the truly unknown as a team and making our biggest drive to date - down to the beautiful swampland of New Orleans!! Now for all of YOU to embrace the lifestyle of the newfound Cajun culture with us on Saturday, December 1st and boogie down to some groovy, funky jams.

Once Quinn made the cross-country move, he called me everyday. Literally. At first, I was confused. Then amused. Then I expected the calls. Early on, he was intentional and asked when he could take me out on a first date. I was back and forth, not wanting to complicate anything and definitely not wanting to have to drive 2.5 hours for a one-off date. Long story short, he kept pursuing me and I caved. That. First. Date. Was. Killer. Not ever had someone tried so hard to impress me. And for anyone that knows Quinn, when he puts hard work into something, there are no loose ends. I showed up and there was a Happy Birthday balloon (to make me laugh), flowers (to make me smile), two bottles of red wine (because he wasn't sure which kind I preferred but knew I liked red), Reese's oreos (because he had seen me eating both separately on Facetime), and ice cream in the fridge (duh.) Needless to say, he was more than prepared for my arrival. The second I stepped in the door, he started talking. Again... for those that know Quinn, when he starts talking, usually there's no end in sight. "So we have a few options. Well, you just got here so do you want to take a nap? Do you need some water? Maybe wine? I also have beer. If you don't want that, I can jump over to the grocery store and buy whatever. We have reservations in an hour at a local BBQ place that we can walk to from here but I also made a fancy reservation just in case... but I really think you'll like this place but it's totally up to you. And then we also have a hike set up for tomorrow that's 45 minutes away but if you're not comfortable being in the car with me for that long, that's okay! Totally get it. Honestly, it's whatever you want." Wow. I was torn between thinking he might murder me on that hike and being excited to have a glass of red wine and barbecue with him. That next 24 hours sealed it for me. And every day since that first date, he hasn't stopped impressing me.

We got engaged by the beautiful, clear waters of the Mississippi mud. Honestly though, it's one of our favorite places in the city. While Quinn thought he was being calm, cool, and collected, Danielle knew something was up his sleeve... or rather, in his left jacket pocket. After grabbing dinner and being robbed of dessert with Quinn's rush to get the check, we wandered through Jackson Square and up towards Washington Artillery Park. As we got closer to the water, Quinn's walk quickened and holding hands transformed into him pulling her at warp speed toward the riverfront. With nerves and excitement at an all-time high for both of the lovebirds, Quinn dropped to a knee and couldn't get a word in before Danielle attacked him and squealed, "I knew it!!" After a hug and a half-kiss, Quinn assumed proposal position again and said, "You are my everything. Will you marry me?" Danielle can't wait to spend the rest of her life with her best friend. The guy who makes her laugh daily, never stops adventuring with her, has a heart of gold, is immeasurably supportive, and has been true to his intentions ever since that first visit in Charlotte. Quinn just can't wait for the cake.