Jon and Sophia Ivey

Jon and Sophia’s story began back in 2021 at East Carolina University (ECU). It was an unexpected, coincidental meeting. They were both in line at the West End Dining Hall. In that same line stood an individual with a propeller hat on, looking quite whimsical. Jon made a not-so-quiet comment on this hat, which got Sophia's attention, as well as a laugh. That was all Jon needed to strike up a conversation with her. Before they knew it, they were eating together, talking more, inviting each other to activities, and quickly dating. Over three years, two cats, two degrees, three living situations, many jobs, and multiple military orders later, here they are.

Jon convinced Sophia that it’d be smart to do their Valentine’s date a little early to avoid the crowds. A quaint walk down to their favorite pier and a nice dinner would be more than enough to celebrate. Sophia got all dressed up, ready for a nice date (but perhaps not for engagement photos) and Jon discreetly suggested perhaps she should change into something else. This should have immediately tipped Sophia off that something was amiss, but of course Jon is just too slick with it. They walked down to the pier and were immediately aware of the presence of another couple that had been sitting on their favorite pier. What Sophia didn’t know was that the “couple” was actually the photographer and videographer Jon had hired to secretly capture their engagement. Jon turned Sophia to the other end of the pier and walked her to the edge, citing something along the lines of "Just look at how pretty the water is, I'll get our camera set up". Unfortunately for him, Sophia is a little too aware to simply not catch him pulling out a ring, so he had to come up with a distraction. Jon knew just how much Sophia appreciates nature, animals, and water-related locations. So he pointed out a fake deer off in the distance, across the river. He also knew her eyesight isn’t the best. While she was squinting and trying to find it, he took the chance to get down on one knee behind her. When she finally turned around, upset from not being able to spot the "notional" deer, she realized he'd pulled his greatest misdirection on her yet: tricking her into being his Fiancée.