I turned the corner toward the front door of Superica and I saw Zach sitting out front waiting for me. He stood up right away and opened his arms wide and grinned. I immediately felt comfortable and at ease. We sat at the bar, my fav spot as it’s where all the action is. We talked about our families, our jobs, our friends, and our favorite wing spots in Atlanta. You know, the important things. I found him to be hilarious and charming. I think he’d probably say the same, he laughed at all my jokes. At the end of the evening as we were leaving I got awkward. I’d had such a fun time with Zach, it felt natural, but also exciting. However my plan during that time in my life was to go on dates, meet more people, and enjoy the single life. He was going in one direction and I was going the other. He offered to walk me to my car but I told him it was a close walk and I’d be okay. We hugged and I said to him, “Well, thanks for the laughs!” I know, cringeworthy! Thankfully Zach and I laugh about it today. I got in my car and immediately called my friend Allie and went on and on about what a great date we had and how we laughed and talked for hours!! She encouraged me to abandon my dating rules, or plans, whatever they were, and go on a second date with Zach. The next day when I texted him he seemed surprised to hear from me but quickly the banter from the evening before continued and he planned a second date at one of the places I’d previously told him was my favorite. Again, we sat at the bar and laughed and talked so much that we missed dinner service (again!). Luckily this spot had a late night menu. This time after our night was over I let him walk me to my car and we had the sweetest goodnight kiss. Sometimes abandoning your plans is the best thing!

When it comes to making plans, Kaitlin and I are polar opposites. Her thoughtfulness and organization skills are well honed, with my style leaning more towards “We’ll see where the day takes us”. Given that fact, red flags were raised all over the place on a warm Saturday in July when I continually insisted that we spend the day in Piedmont Park. Fortunately, I had a laundry list of supporting reasons in my back pocket right next to the ring I planned on giving the love of my life later that day. Days before, I had roamed through the park looking for the specific spot that Kaitlin and I had spent one of our favorite afternoons together about a year before. When we finally arrived that afternoon I did my best to nonchalantly retrace our steps to our special corner of the Atlanta landmark. Once we arrived, laid out our blankets, and settled in my heart began beating out of my chest. “Want to play backgammon?” Kaitlin asked. It was a common question we’d been asking each other throughout quarantine as we’d gotten into the game, but this game would be unlike any other. “Sure, but you have to set it up.” I replied as I handed her the felt roll-up set we’d been playing on. The look on her face as she unrolled the set only to find a banner reading “’Til Death” is something I will never forget. The ruse was over and I took to one knee. I couldn’t tell you what was said. The speech I’d been rolling over again and again in my head for weeks was gone and all was left was the pure euphoria that I was about to spend the rest of my life with my favorite person. Tears were flowing from both parties as I fumbled my way through, but in the end she said yes! Fortunately we had a photographer covertly posted up nearby to document the occasion. It was an incredibly special moment and we can’t wait to continue the celebration with our family and friends this October!