Chase and I had many mutual friends at UMF, but had never actually met. I transferred in sophomore year, so I missed meeting people the traditional way through freshman orientation and living in the dorms. Toward the end of junior year, our paths finally crossed and we suddenly began seeing each other everywhere. We eventually began talking, and after knowing each other for only a couple of weeks, Chase asked me to be his date to a friend's (Benny V) sister's wedding. I thought that was a bold move so early on, but agreed to go even though I wouldn't know anyone (and hardly knew him!). I think it's safe to say I made the right choice; we've been together every day since!

Chase proposed on a camping trip we planned at the last minute for the last weekend of August. We were able to find a campground on the Saco River that had a one night reservation available. It was a totally normal day and I didn't expect anything out of the ordinary: we woke up, made breakfast, and drove to North Conway to spend the day walking around. We went out to lunch, and even made a Walmart trip before heading to the campground. By the time we set up camp and relaxed for a little while by the fire, it was starting to get dark, and Chase suggested we start making dinner. I was mid-way through slicing up a green pepper when Chase (who had been fiddling with his headlamp for a few minutes) asked me if I could grab the batteries from the side pocket of the car door. Suspecting nothing, I walked over, opened the car door, and saw a little white ring box where the "batteries" were supposed to be. :) Chase had walked up behind me and got down on one knee to ask me to marry him (I eventually stopped laughing hysterically and said yes). It was such a sweet proposal, and he successfully caught me completely off-guard--he played it cool all day!

We will be "making it official" with a lakeside ceremony, and cannot wait to celebrate our marriage with our families and closest friends!