We had our first date at the 'Grain' in the Main Hotel in Norfolk, VA. The hotel had recently opened and was the new spot in town. We met for drinks and the conversation moved easily, so we moved to an Irish pub nearby to end the evening. While sitting at the bar, Gregory told me that this was his last first date. I didn't think anything it of it but many dates and years, later, here we are. He was right!

I'll start by saying - I really had NO idea. I had plans with my friend/bridesmaid, Kate, for an all-day beach day. The morning of, she canceled. I was disappointed, but I asked Gregory if he wanted to join me instead. He agreed, happily (which, looking back on it, he was entirely too agreeable). A while later, he called and asked if it would be okay if we went to the beach in the Outer Banks, North Carolina instead. I said, sure and was pretty excited for this 'spontaneous day'. We made our way down and stopped for lunch at one of our favorite restaurants. We spent the whole day on the beach, in the water, and it really was the best beach day I had ever had. The water was SO blue and the weather was perfect. At around 6:30, he asked if I wanted to get dinner. I selected a spot and started packing up our stuff from the day. The sun was setting and he suggested we take a walk - to which I responded "no, I'd rather take a walk to a restaurant". I begrudgingly took that walk, and I am so glad I did. It really is a blur from there, but he got down on one knee & proposed! I was in such shock I forgot to say yes! Luckily, two photographers posing as nearby beach-goers got the entire thing on camera. The next day, the surprises continued. He had arranged a small lunch with local friends & family, including Kate, who was in on the entire thing. Just when you thought the story was over, my mom, who lives in California walked out and joined us for lunch. It was the best proposal I could have ever asked for!