Yes, it's true- we were first introduced to each other electronically through a mutual friend. Tyler was drawn to Powell's profile by the dog - and his witty captions got her past the pictures of him with a mustache. Powell liked Tyler's confident smile, and when his pre-first date research unearthed her athletic career at Davidson, he was even more impressed. We met for drinks, and after a few minutes of conversation, Powell said "Crap ... You're totally my type." The rest is history.
Visiting my parents in Lake Adger, NC, Powell and I returned to one of our first hikes as a couple: Little Bradley Falls. Two years prior, we had made the same hike, I had climbed to the top of the falls against Powell's wishes (and my mother's), and urged Powell to traipse to the top with me. In standard Tyler and Powell fashion, I was overly confident and racing to get to the top, and he was, rightfully, cautious and nervous. We got to the top and sat overlooking the water flowing from four tiers below us. Fast forward two years, we were standing in front of the falls when Powell got down on one knee. He told me it was on this hike that he knew life with me would always be an adventure - and sometimes a challenge- but that we would conquer it together. I said "yes" (and snatched the ring) before Powell even knew how to respond. When we returned to my parents', Powell had crafted the ultimate surprise and organized both of our parents to be there for a family celebration. We sipped on champagne, rejoiced as a family, cried, and felt so much love.