Just like 40% of other couples who are engaged (we checked), we met through an online dating application. With Will working at the school at the time and Briana working from home, we are especially grateful for online means to meet new people. Will was the first one to shoot his shot through a message, and complimented Briana's dog. Briana - being a sucker for a compliment of her precious Piper - took the bait. We then messaged back and forth for days getting to know each other. Will then asked to talk on the phone, and our first phone call was almost 4 hours long, and one of the best conversations we have ever shared. Our first date included dinner together and exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway. We both knew from that moment that our lives would include one another, but we had no idea just how special our time together would become.

Right after our first anniversary, we took a walk at one of our favorite places - Lake Junaluska. After sharing a special moment together reflecting on our first year together, Will got down on one knee, and Briana happily accepted. Afterward, Briana was surprised to be joined to dinner (at the location of their first date) by closest friends to celebrate the news.