After matching on Hinge we quickly set up a date in-person because we weren't crazy about only text/phone conversations. Mac drove into New Jersey to meet for dinner at BLK SHP / Red Hen in Swedesboro. He let me know he got stuck in bridge traffic and, in an attempt of self-preservation in case I was getting stood up, I stayed in the car to fix my makeup before he arrived. As I finished putting on my lipstick, I saw a figure by my passenger window and there he was! For the first time in a long time, I felt giddy for a first date & he was way cuter in real life than in his profile pictures. We both were nervous at first, but we bonded over how crazy the menu was because we didn't even know what most of the items were! Knowing how many critters I have and not wanting to scare him away, I avoided the topic of pets for about 40 minutes before Mac said "I hope you like animals", and we spent most of the rest of our almost-3-hour date talking about all our pets (past, present, and hopefully future!) I think that must've been when I knew he was "the one." That, sharing our testimonies, and when he told me he likes to grow orchids like my mom, Gram, and Abuela all have done! Right in the middle of our dinner, I asked him for a second date because I already liked him so much - what can I say? I've always been forward. He agreed of course. He walked me to my car and I stole a kiss before driving away. I remember I couldn't wait to call and tell Gram how well the date went! I even remember saying "I think that may have been my last first date!" The rest is history!

For those who don't know, Mac surprised me with our proposal at the Hagley Museum. My mom and I went to the museum for a girls' day before tax season got into full-swing. It won't be surprising to anyone who knows I'm a pageant girl that we do usually dress up for these girls' days and take nice photos. We went through the museum, to the shuttle stops, to the very last location - the estate house - and I still had no idea Mac was there! Unbeknownst to me, he was waiting just inside the front door with a bouquet of roses and the ring, and I also didn't even see our photographer hiding in the frozen mud to capture the moment! We spent the next hour in and out of the cold taking pictures, then ended the night at a Brazilian steakhouse to celebrate with our families. It was a perfect day!