It was always you

Peter and Melissa went to the same K-12 school and grew up in the same hometown, Yamhill, Oregon. Peter was two years ahead of Melissa in school, and was Melissa's secret crush through most of middle school and high school. Peter graduated in 2009, and Melissa graduated in 2011 from Yamhill-Carlton High School. They had a lot of mutual friends growing up, but it wasn't until they both were in college that they began talking. Melissa added Peter on Facebook in 2014, and soon after they started talking via SnapChat on a regular basis. They spent time with each other a handful of times in Corvallis, Oregon while Melissa lived there, and Peter even invited Melissa to a Tom Petty concert once (Melissa's biggest regret was turning him down due to her anxiety). When Melissa lived in another state for two years, Peter sent her messages weekly and they maintained their friendship until she moved back to their hometown in 2017. About 2 months after Melissa was back, Peter asked her to meet up for drinks after work on November 3rd, 2017. They never intended on it being their first date, but it was well overdue!

Peter and Melissa's first date was November 3rd, 2017. It was a packed first date! They were only planning on having a few drinks on a Friday night, and they ended up going out for breakfast food at 10pm, they walked around McMinnville's Historic Third Street, and watched 3 movies that night. If you know the couple, you'll know that it was a perfect date summing up most of their interests. The movie lineup was Out Cold, Hot Fuzz, and finally The Goonies. It was during the 3rd movie that they had their first kiss, one that was well overdue!

Melissa's favorite place is the Columbia River Gorge, and the couple frequently visits the area. Peter decided to take Melissa there on September 19th, 2021. They started the day at Multnomah Falls, one of Melissa's favorite waterfalls. Melissa asked a stranger to take some pictures of them, and then Peter decided it was the right moment to ask the big question. Right as the stranger went to hand back the phone they used for pictures, Peter said, "Hold on, can you take just a few more?" and then nervously, got down on one knee with the perfect ring in his hand. In shock, Melissa stood smiling and speechless for a half minute, until she handed him the wrong hand for the ring. She whispered, "Yes, oh my goodness, I can't believe this is happening!" and they were cheered on by all the surrounding strangers! During the entire exchange, they had their pup, Artemis there, wagging her tail through the whole moment! The rest of the day, they explored the many waterfalls along the gorge and began the next chapter of their lives together! Throughout the following week, they called and visited all their close family and friends with the happy news! The ring was Melissa's favorite choice from an Etsy shop. It is an asymmetrical design with a square cut aquamarine that is nestled next to 5 small diamonds, set in a rose gold band. The design mimics a shooting star. Peter had done his homework, and chose very wisely!

On May 4th, 2022, Melissa and Peter eloped in front of the fountain near the McMinnville Library. Melissa had been having some health issues and Peter had just gotten a new job with great insurance. The couple chose to elope with their parents, Melissa's grandparents, and two friends. They chose the date because it marked 4 and a half years together, and was 6 months before their big day they have been planning for. It also happens to be Star Wars Day, and they were excited about having a nerdy date to remember! But don't fret! You didn't miss anything! They are eager to celebrate with everyone and have their own vows to read to one another in November at their wedding ceremony, followed by a fun afternoon cocktail hour and dance party! Besides, who says you can't have more than one wedding? They are excited to have two special anniversaries that are 6 months apart, and if you know them, you know that they are not afraid to share their love!