(Rachel) Like the homebodies we are, we both turned to online dating to expand our dating pools. Like the nerds we are, we turned to eHarmony for data-driven matches. After a few weeks of talking, we went on our first date. We decided to keep it casual and meet at a Starbucks. Cliche, yes, but it was a good place to talk and sip our matcha lattes. We discussed all the basic things - our families, interests, life stories. It was very easy and comfortable to talk to each other. At the end of the date, Bryan invited me to his sister's house the next day for the 4th of July. I agreed, not knowing what to expect and a little nervous to meet some of Bryan's family immediately. It turned out well and fairly low pressure meeting his sisters. We had a meal, enjoyed a few fireworks, and ended the night watching a movie as I awkwardly sat on the couch ignoring all unspoken expectations to cuddle. I felt welcomed into the family right away and it led to many more dates.

(Bryan) On a sunny, cool Florida day, I had planned to go to Lakes Park (a memorable location in our relationship to be sure) with two of Rachel's friends - Carson (the ride or die who was also was our undercover photographer) and Taylor (who I'm sure was somehow roped into this last minute lol). The story was simple: go to the park to have a fun day of walking around the garden followed up with a rousing game of pass the soccer ball. After fiddling with my pockets to get the box inside (I literally could have just taken the ring out of the box), I awkwardly walked down the path with the others with both hands in my pant pockets looking like I had inflatable gym shorts on. After 5 long minutes of excruciatingly embarrassing tactical posing, we finally arrived to one of the only benches in the garden. Rachel and I sat there once before and had a conversation about family, interests, and succulents (the cacti). It is where I noticed she was a really interesting person and also hot. So I decided that would be the perfect place to propose, with a garden of cacti as our witnesses. First I had to be smooth and find a reason to sit down. I used the "Oh my knee is bugging me" excuse to have a seat and then gestured to her as romantically as I could that I wanted her to sit next to me. This resulted in Rachel stating, and I quote, "Come on, why are you sitting? We came here to walk." Which was less than ideal, however I did not give up. I redoubled my efforts and began to once again tap the area on the bench next to me. The longer she didn't sit the faster I would tap until all you could hear was the ringing of my fingers hitting the bench. Luckily she found it funny and finally relented. The game was indeed afoot, and I quickly started a conversation which gave Carson enough time to become one with the air and blow away along with Taylor who became very interested in the tree waaaaaayyyyy over there. I then skillfully (there is no room for argument here) and slowly made my way to both knees and romantically asked in my most stoic shaky voice "I think you should marry me." I then pulled out the box and opened it. Before I could continue to ruin romance forever, Rachel took the ring out of the box, tried it on, gave me a goofy smile, and looked at me for like 30 seconds or something. I was then like so is that a yes?! Here she gave me the Most R.R. Pillard response in the history of all Pillards everywhere: "Well are you gonna ASK?" My mind flooded with questions, however it dawned on me that I made a suggestion instead of asked a question. So in my most Command Prompt voice and line of reasoning I asked "Rachel Renae Pillard, will you marry me?" 30 more (or maybe 3) agonizing seconds later, I got so many yeses and kisses that I lost count. P.S. Rachel insisted on playing that game of pass the soccer ball, not fully comprehending that the purpose of our park visit had already been completed.