We're Getting Married

It all began with us downloading the same dating app called “Coffee Meets Bagel”. The app connects through your Facebook and helps match you with mutual friends among other hopeless romantics. We were both ready to delete the app out of frustration -- online dating has its challenges. But in December 2017 a match was made between us. In Brad's profile was a picture of him with a flashy new car. And Rachel asked, "What is your favorite car to drive?" That simple question opened the door for what lie ahead. We decided to meet for the first time at the Plymouth Ice Festival on January 13th at one of Rachel’s favorite restaurants, Nico and Vali. It's a quaint Italian eatery near the heart of downtown Plymouth. Brad recalls that Rachel's nerves had the best of her as she fluttered her eyes and talked at length about anything and everything. Those pesky nerves. We talked while walking through the Ice Festival in which Rachel was way out in front so Brad couldn’t hear her half the time. The tassel on her beanie was Brad's only reference in the crowd. The first date jitters subsided and we talked like old friends having similar interests and desires in life. It went so well in fact that we decided to meet again at the Auto Show in Detroit the following week. Brad was in his element. That night we had our first kiss. From then on, every weekend was spent together going on new adventures. It soon became important to both of us that we get to meet each other's families, as, family is a big part of our lives. After getting acquainted with the Wiley and Campbell families we decided on our first road trip together. We headed off to Nashville in April to see Music Row and the Country Music Hall of Fame. That August we went on our first Upper Peninsula trip to the Campbell family farm. Throughout our time together we went through close family losses, and many fun trips to the Wiley cottage and to the Campbell home. Even making it to Europe in Amsterdam with the Wiley family. When the pandemic started, we decided to move in together. During this time we rescued an adorable puppy named Piper and learned all about being good pet parents. In November 2020, Christine asked Rachel about what kind of engagement rings she likes. Soon after, Christine shared the details with Brad and he started planning the ring. Brad anticipated going deer hunting with Rachel’s dad and was going to ask for his permission to marry her. But due to a COVID scare, he wasn't able to. So, he decided it best to make a special trip over to the Campbell home to ask for Rachel's parent's blessing. With much approval from both families, the proposal plans began. Fast forward to January 9th, 2021.   After an early dinner,  the entire Campbell family went out to a bonfire set up outside the family home. Brad’s family had begun pulling into the driveway with a car packed to the brim with balloons and flowers. As they scrambled to hide the decorations, Rachel was very suspicious. Brad asked Rachel, “Let’s go get Piper” from inside of the house. As everyone wanted to see Ms. Piper. As we started walking up to the house, Rachel looked at Brad and said “you have it don’t you?”  Brad said no, and was trying to stay calm while walking and taking off his thick winter gloves. "You lied to me," she belted out. Together we stood on the moonlit front porch and hear the song “Marry Me” played by Bruno Mars. Brad now down on one knee, asks, "Will you marry me?" Of course, she says, "yes." After she sees the most beautiful ring, he placed it on her finger -- a perfect fit. After a long embrace, we walk back to the bonfire for hugs and congratulations. While it wasn't the proposal Brad had initially planned, it was more special that all of our parents and siblings were there to be part of the very special day. Impromptu is the best spice of life.