Coming Soon: The Eck's

A modern love story, all sparked by a simple swipe on Tinder and a message from Skyler that changed everything. From that first conversation, something felt different, something right. We spent weeks texting back and forth, sharing stories, getting to know each other and sharing little pieces of our lives. When Skyler planned our first date at 701 Eateries, the excitement was undeniable. (I could hardly focus at work because of my nerves and excitement) I still remember meeting him in the parking lot where he shook my hand (something I still lovingly tease him about). But from the moment we began talking, it was as if time stood still. Our conversation flowed so effortlessly that we forgot to even look at the menu. The waitress came by more than once before we finally ordered, but we were lost in our own little world. In the weeks that followed, we became inseparable. As we spent more time together, we started discovering the most random connections we had with each other. From how we had both been at the same Justin Bieber concert in 2016, to how for nearly a year, we had lived just a block apart. His apartment window even overlooked the sidewalk where I walked Arizona every day, yet somehow, we had never crossed paths. Soon, days apart became unthinkable. Life together felt easy, full, and beautifully intertwined.

It was the day before Skyler’s birthday, July 31st, 2025. He told me that 701 Eateries had sent him a birthday gift, two free drinks and a gift card, and suggested we go that evening before heading out for our camping trip the next day. Throughout the work day, I had offered to stay in and cook his favorite meal, Marry Me Chicken with pasta, and he happily agreed… or so I thought. Later, he mentioned again that he really wanted to use those free drinks, so I hurried through dinner so we could head over to the place where our story began. Sitting there together, reminiscing about that very first date, everything felt full circle. The same restaurant, the same laughter, but a love so much deeper. When it was time to leave, we walked toward the car, hand in hand. Just before we reached it, Skyler stopped and said, “Let’s take a photo in the spot we first met for a photos dump." Of course, I said yes because I love a good photo dump. We took the picture and looked at it together, smiling. Then, his voice softened as he began to tell me how much he loved me, how grateful he was for the life we had built. Before I could process what was happening, he reached into his back pocket, dropped to one knee, and asked me to marry him. I gasped, spun in circles, tossed my purse off my arm and across the parking lot. Through laughter and tears, he looked up at me and asked, “So… is that a yes?” It was the easiest yes of my life.