The plan to introduce us was hatched by Celine Dela Llana, Megan Maxey, and Megan Pentecost. A night hanging out and chatting with the ladies revealed that Steve was my type, so they became determined to set us up. Despite seemingly endless scheduling conflicts, the matchmakers persevered. In early September of 2022, the Maxeys hosted a game night, where Steve and I finally met in person. Several rounds of Quiplash exposed a shared sense of humor and I couldn’t help the giddy thought that this could go somewhere. By the end of the night, Steve had my number! We spent the next couple of days exchanging texts and discovering a mutual love of Korean and Japanese cuisines, which led to a plan for our first date: a sushi dinner. As the date approached, anticipation escalated. This dinner would be our first time one-on-one…what if conversation grew stilted and awkward? However, the moment our date began, those anxieties melted away. Once Steve and I started talking, the conversation never stopped, even as our food arrived. Everything felt easy and effortless; it was like I’d already known him for years. Ever since our first date, that comfort has never wavered. It’s as though all the pieces were in place from the start, and it only took the encouragement of close friends to bridge that final gap.

One evening in June of 2022, I got a text from our mutual friend, Celine, saying that she “knows a girl who would be perfect for me”. After telling me a bit about her, Celine sent me a picture and her name, MG. I had been single for a couple years at this point and was interested in dating again, so I said that I’d be happy to meet! Fast forward to September 2022: after texting Celine a few times “So when do I get to meet this girl?”, MG and I finally met at our mutual friend’s house for a group game night. I had never been set up with anyone before, so I was a bit anxious, especially after being told that I was “definitely her type”. We didn’t talk much, but after MG kicked my butt in some of the games we played together, I decided that she was someone I wanted to get to know better. I liked her sense of humor, and she was cute too! So, I got her number and we started texting. We talked a lot about our favorite foods, many of which we shared, so I set up a first date at my favorite sushi spot. I was anxious, but excited. After we said hello and sat down at our table, I specifically remember MG asking about my favorite sushi rolls to get here. Despite having been to this restaurant a million times, my nerves caused all my usual recommendations to disappear from my brain. I awkwardly flipped through the menu for a minute before composing myself and offering a few suggestions. Once we started talking however, we never stopped. It suddenly felt like I had known this amazing person in front of me for years. She was so easy to talk to, down to earth, and incredibly interesting with a humorous charm. The date went wonderfully. Every day since then, being with MG has been so rewarding. Being with her is effortless and she truly makes me feel special.

The proposal was something MG saw coming. She and Steve had actually discussed it; November of 2023 when their friends became engaged, the topic came up between the two of them. MG noted that the solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 would also mark their 18-month anniversary, and Steve latched onto that date. It was the perfect coincidence, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so Steve began to plan. With the help of friends Celine and Hsin, he arranged a picnic in Marott Park, where he and MG had their second date. The day itself was the embodiment of spring; every colorful, budding plant fresh from its winter dormancy. The fuschia blooms of redbud trees lined the park’s perimeter, while scatterings of violets accented a verdant carpet of grass. Even the sky seemed a more saturated blue, clear and crisp as the moon inched slowly toward the sun. MG, Steve, Celine, and Hsin sat on a picnic blanket and enjoyed a charcuterie spread Steve had assembled. As the moon began its eclipse, the environment changed entirely. The world slipped into a twilight shadow, bringing with it a noticeable chill. Active birdsong abruptly stopped, and in the near supernatural stillness, the eclipse reached totality. It was an ephemeral experience for every sense; from the sight of the moon, a black silhouette framed by the glow of the sun, to the sound and feeling of the sudden, quiet calm. For the nearly four minutes of totality, Steve and MG shared in a uniquely peaceful fascination. When totality ended, Steve took his cue. As the world quickly illuminated around them, he took a knee and called her name. Birdsong returned with the brightening greens and purples and blues of spring, and MG turned. Steve presented the ring in a box of walnut, maple, and purpleheart wood he’d made himself, and asked her to marry him. It was an easy yes!