Truthfully, Natalie would probably be better at telling our story. She remembers details like a card counter in a casino, while my recollection revolves mainly around the emotions I feel at the time. Natalie and I share our first kiss? I am happy! We book our trip to Harry Potter World in Orlando? I am excited! The Detroit Lions win the Superbowl? I am dreaming. The emotions are what I remember most, so when I received that first message from Natalie on OK Cupid, I remember feeling intrigued with a dash of excitement. "There's an attractive, intelligent woman writing to me? Play it cool, Brett. Wait a couple hours before replying."

Several emails later and our first date was booked at O'Shaughnessy Irish Pub. It was nerve-racking at first, but that nervousness quickly gave way to an enjoyable evening filled with laughter and one or two (or three) pints of Guinness. I remember smiling a lot. Natalie and I just...worked. She was easy to talk to and I absolutely adored making her laugh. I dropped her off at the Metra later that night, and grabbed a taxi back to my studio apartment, all-the-while thinking that I may have just found someone special—someone who could, and eventually would, change my life for the better. I was happy, and excited to see her again.

Over the next three years she became my best friend. Then finally came the day I was anticipating the most. The engagement ring was well-hidden in my backpack and my jittery hands were stuffed in my pockets as we strolled through Chicago's Botanic Garden—one of Natalie's favorite places in the world. We stopped to sit at a beautiful, shaded overlook, secluded and hidden away from the crowds. I remember the flowers were in bloom, and a bell tower rose above the trees in the distance. I'm sure I would have loved the peaceful, serene spot had I not been scared out of my mind. I had planned a surprise, romantic stay downtown at the Palmer House and had written and rehearsed a little passage extolling the love I held for my soulmate, and I was ready. I offered her water, but instead pulled the ring from my bag and knelt down on one knee. In that moment, the clock struck 2pm, and that "beautiful" bell tower decided to make its presence known. So there I was, only a few words into my proposal, kneeling on the ground, as I waited for the bell tower (my nemesis) to finish its melody that lasted, in my opinion, entirely too long. My eyes were locked on Natalie, who did not attempt to hide her delight. The chimes finally faded away, and I fumbled through my well-rehearsed proposal. But the only thing I can remember from those few seconds after two o'clock was her answer: "Obviously!" Relief and happiness. Those were my emotions the rest of the day as we walked hand-in-hand through the Garden, enjoying the first day of the rest of our lives. I don't have a memory for details, but thanks to that bell tower, I'll always remember it was exactly 2pm on Saturday, May 26th, that the love of my life agreed to marry me.