We’re gettin’ hitched!

Hinge. Yes, the scary online world. We both weeded through quite a few weeds in order to find each other. Not sure who messaged who first, honestly, but the connection was immediate. The conversation just flowed and within a couple of weeks, Melissa was taking the drive through the countryside to meet Andy for the first time in person. At his house (now our home) in Vernon Center. Yes, risky, but he made her a steak dinner and took her for a walk through the fields on a beautiful mid-May day. Couple weeks after that it was introductions to the parents; Andy played Melissa George Strait’s “Check Yes or No” on the way to go meet his family asking to be his girlfriend. This was Memorial Day 2021, and of course she said checked “yes”.

Melissa was stressed-out. It was the day before she left for a week-long road trip with her mom to Maine, and the day she got back from the trip she was hosting Book Club at her home. So Sunday, July 30th was her “I’m going to clean the house and finish packing and get everything set for when I get back” day. Change of plans. A bit. Melissa’s best friend (and now Matron-of-Honor), Eden, wanted to bring her son, Marshall, to Vernon Center on Sunday because he hadn’t met Andy yet, and a sunny-day hike was in order. It took a lot of coaxing and patience on Eden's part, but Melissa finally agreed. We decided to go to Mt. Hope, and somewhere in the mix Andy decided he wanted to go, too. Gorgeous, bright blue sky with a few puffy white clouds, sun shining down on us, the weather was wonderful. We get to the hiking spot, park, get Marshall man into his stroller, and walk-in a ways to the reservoir area. Andy announces, “OK, picture time!” Strange. Andy doesn’t do pictures unless Melissa drags him into them, but she figured “Maybe he knew I wanted some and wanted to get them over with.” Andy and Melissa walk out to the water’s edge so photographer Eden could do her thing. Then within seconds he was down on his knee, pulls out the ring box, short and sweet asks, “Will you marry me?” Stunned for a moment, but said “Yes!” Andy struggled to open the box which was slightly comical because the company had stuffed it with fake moss, but the ring fit perfectly! The engagement ring: sterling silver antler band with a raw diamond. The perfect blend of our rustic/country lifestyle. A mini engagement photo shoot followed by the lovely Eden. So thankful for those captured moments! We hopped-on a few big planning items right away, like our venue that is owned by a good family-friend to the Eatons. We picked our date— “Do you remember, the 21st night of September?” And the rest is a whirlwind. We cannot wait to celebrate our big day with y’all!