We were lucky to have both gone to local, small town, Lincoln High School. That's where we met, grew up and fell in love. We grew to really know each other through band. I played alto saxophone and he played percussion. The first time he asked me out was to go to the 2012 prom. We were all in the band room, and everyone was practicing for solo and ensemble. I was working on a piece with a friend when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turn around and see Damian standing, nervously, behind. I smile, and he asks, "Can we talk?" I replied yes, and turned to face him. He then looks around a little and asks, "Can we talk over there?" confused, I look at my friend for some explanation before nodding and following him into a less crowded area. I don't remember exactly how he asked, but I remember I couldn't hear what he was saying through all the various groups practicing their music. Still smiling and nodding, I look at him and realize he is waiting for a response of some sort. "Sorry, I didn't hear you, What did you say?" was my embarrassed response. He looked almost panicked and I noticed his friend Holly from across the room give a smile of encouragement. With a spark of courage he turned back to me and asked, "Will you go to prom with me?". I was way more excited, honored, and flustered than he will probably ever know, but I managed to say yes. Next time, I'll get to say I do!

First of all let me start by saying that when you know that you've met the person that you're going to spend the rest of your life with, you just know. I had been planning on asking Tara to marry me for a few weeks. The day finally came to put my plan into action. I had spoken with her parents and closest friends requesting their presence during the time that I was going to propose so that she could be surrounded by the people that mean the most to her. It was at the local Prairie Grove Battlefield Park, where we had gone together throughout our relationship. I had asked one of her friends to secretly walk her down the scenic trail so that she had no idea what was happening. She came to the top of the hill where I had set up a collection of photos of us throughout the years, surrounded by roses and a note. When she walked up, I came out from behind a tree and got down on one knee asking her if she would be mine truly (a.k.a. will you marry me). Of course she said "yes" and here we are today. The rest is history.