Life before us was quiet, simple, and incomplete. One ordinary day, while lost in everyday thoughts, I received a message from my dear friend and cousin, Marcell: “Would you go on a blind date?” I paused for a moment, contemplating the adventure, then, without hesitation, replied, “Yes.” Butterflies filled my stomach as I realized stepping outside my comfort zone was the best decision I ever made. Just a few days later, I received a charming text from Sean, politely asking if I wanted to grab a drink. Once again, I replied with an enthusiastic “Yes.” As our first date approached, time seemed to crawl. “What should I wear? How will I fix my hair? I wonder what he looks like?” Despite the unknown, a calm excitement enveloped me. That Thursday, I worked right up until our date. I transformed the back room of my office into my personal salon, nervously curling my hair, freshening my makeup, and slipping into the perfect outfit—a dress paired with Nikes. After a final spritz of perfume and supportive good wishes from my coworkers, I set off to meet Sean, both of us on the cusp of what would be the last first date of our lives. When I arrived, I texted him: “How will I know it's you?” He responded with a playful, “I’m the only one here.” Walking into the bar, I spotted him—dark hair, a charming beard, and a big smile. Like the polite gentleman he is, Sean stood, greeted me warmly, and invited me to join him. We talked and talked—about family, friends, school, and work—on topics that ranged from the mundane to the profound. It felt like time itself had vanished; we could have sat there forever, enveloped in wine and conversation. Eventually, we realized it was past 10:30 PM and decided to call it a night. As we stepped out of the bar, we shared a hug, and I said, “I’d love to hang out again.” His cheerful response of “me too” was just the beginning of our journey. In the following weeks, we immersed ourselves in each other’s lives, enjoying dates and embarking on house projects together. Without a second thought, I invited Sean to my family’s annual Halloween party, a costume event that encourages creativity. I was dressing as Poison Ivy from Batman and encouraged him to join in the fun. Just one month after our first date, he met a significant part of my family—arrayed in full costume, no less—and I was charmed. He arrived with a delightful host gift for my mom, which completely melted my heart. It was then that I truly realized he was something special—so genuine and kind, in a world where such men often seem rare. This past year and a half has been filled with incredible memories—traveling, spending time by the lake, and connecting with loved ones. Early on, I recognized that Sean was different and that I didn’t want to imagine my life without him. On November 16, 2024, Sean suggested we take a drive to Gardiner to explore a spot where he hoped to shoot a buffalo during the season. I agreed, excited for a weekend getaway at our favorite Airbnb in Greycliff. The weather was beautiful, but while we didn’t spot any buffalo, we found where they would roam when winter arrived. As the sun began to set, casting a stunning pink hue over the mountains and river, I admired the view and remarked on its beauty. Suddenly, Sean hit the brakes, suggesting we capture the moment. He found a quaint fishing access point and set up his camera on a tripod. I walked to the river's edge to pose, believing he was merely setting the timer. To my surprise, he knelt down before me. The moment was perfect! Of course, I said yes! He later revealed he had recorded the entire proposal, a keepsake of our love that I would treasure forever. After packing up, we headed to the Timber Bar in Big Timber, Montana, to celebrate and share the news with friends and family. That evening was simple yet unforgettable, and I look forward to visiting those cherished places for years to come, creating more beautiful memories with my beloved husband-to-be.