We met on August 25, 2020, at an axe-throwing venue. My friend, at the time, was seeing Tyler's roommate, and they invited us both to join them for a night out. With most places closed due to COVID, I figured I had nothing to lose and decided to go. It was my first time ever throwing an axe, and I'd say I did pretty well—I was definitely better than Tyler! ;) After a fun night of a little friendly competition, Tyler invited my friend and me to celebrate his friend's birthday at Coronado Brewing Company. (If you haven't been, we highly recommend it! It's on our "Things to Do" tab). As the evening wound down, Tyler asked for my number, and the rest is history. Our first official date was mini-golfing at Belmont Park (also on our "Things to Do" tab). Of course, I won, though I'm still not sure if he just let me! A few weeks later, on September 12, 2020, Tyler asked me to be his girlfriend. It was the second easiest "Yes" I've ever said!

We all went on a family trip to Hawaii. I remember Malia telling me her "dream" proposal was to make sure there was a photographer and her nails had to be done. Well, she made sure both of those things happened in Hawaii. She had no idea I was going to propose. I know this because we were both speechless when I pulled out the ring. It was like two little kids meeting Santa Clause for the first time. Of course, she said "yes." I first visited Hawaii in the Navy in 2020. Five years later, I would have never imagined I would be lucky enough to ask a woman like Malia to be my wife.