The storms came in heavy and out of nowhere, Dalton the good Samaritan, working as a bartender for the evening ran as brave as could be into the parking lot after a flying yellow patio umbrella. His valent effort to save the patrons cars from disaster, resulted in him being drenched from head to toe. Home, he went to change and decided to go out with his friends to the high-class district of State Street. Meanwhile, Zoe, celebrating a new friendship and coworker, heads out for a rowdy girl's night on the town! The storm had passed, the doors were off her Jeep, it was set to be a very fun night. A few hours into the evening fate intervened and Dalton and Zoe both ended up at the dignified evening establishment, State Line. Dancing the night away with her girlies, Dalton watched Zoe but did not approach. That is until another friend stepped in, pulling him along and mingling him into the little dance party. The interaction was brief, who would have known it would be the moment both of their lives changed. They parted ways, but not for long! After a few crispy beers and a Jager Bomb or 2, Dalton builds up the courage to return again. This time he didn't need his friend to step in. He approached the wild group of girls, singling her out, and asking for her to dance with him. She looked up at him, his hand held out for hers, and from that moment on she knew. This man was going to change her heart forever.

From day 1 I’ve told Zoe I was going to marry her. Whenever I’d say it, I got giggles, eye rolls, and “whatever’s”. But from the night I met her, up to that perfectly imperfect day, I knew. Lets not get ahead though, I’ve gotta give yall a little back story. It started when I decided to buy the ring. I was at my parent’s house and told them to take me to the jeweler’s. Once there, I pondered through the options. none being quite right. Finally, I found the perfect one. Now for the scary part, asking her parents. I had no time to prepare for this because Zoe is clever and catches on to things way too fast. I manned up as quickly as I could and went over to Sibley Farms and was greeted by Wendy, Zoe’s mom. Jeff nowhere to be found. If you’ve ever met Jeff and Wendy, then you know she’s the intimidating one! As I pulled up I thought about just driving by and waiting until Jeff got home. Wendy had spotted me already though and waved so I had to pull in. I tried to stall and wait for Jeff, but Wendy asked me outright what I was doing there. I took a deep breath and asked her momma if I could marry her daughter, and to my surprise she said yes! So the scariest ask was over. Now for the obvious yes, since I know Jeff already loves me! Jeff pulls up and we get to talking. I ask “Jeff, you remember when I had a few too many garage beers and told you “I was going to marry your daughter”?”. His response was just a simple “yep, what about it” and I said “well I’m here to ask for permission”. His response “let me see the ring”. So now I’m sweating, I pulled out the ring and he looked at it and all he said was “that’s beautiful welcome to the family”. Now it’s time to figure out how I’m going to ask Zoe. Trust me this wasn’t easy! I was back and forth on the when and where. I tossed around the idea of Colorado as we had a trip planned but that was months away, and if you know me I can’t keep surprises at all. So that was a no go. Her childhood bestie was coming in to visit and I knew Zoe would love to have her involved. So I sent Courtney a message and the planning began. Courtney asked Zoe to see a waterfall while she was in town and to take some pictures. Of course, Zoe makes it a priority to take her to a waterfall on her trip. We decided to go to Linville Falls. But before we can take pictures, we have to get our nails done right? So Courtney asks ito go get their nails done that morning while I was at work. Everything seemed to be going as planned. And this is where the perfectly imperfect part comes in. The rain is extending later into the day than it was supposed to and their nail appointment is taking forever. Trying not to worry, I left work to get ready. I’m pretty sure Zoe’s onto me but she hasn’t figured it out, so the trick here is to not get too dressed up or she’ll be suspicious. I’m dressed and waiting, but the girls are taking so long to get home, we’re running out of daylight and Linville is over an hour away. Location change, now we’re going to Elk River falls, still a great place, but no time to adapt and I’m getting nervous. The girls get home, and Zoe starts worrying it’s getting late and it’s trying to rain more, saying to postpone our hike until the next day. Thankfully, we talked her into going. We get to the park and start hiking to the falls. It’s super slick, but we make it. Zoe’s playing with Courtney’s little girl and I took my opportunity to get the ring ready. I found the perfect spot for Zoe to take a picture with me, which is on top of a rock in front of the falls. At first, she was adamant about “I am not getting up that!” but after some persuading, she finally climbed up. I began my speech, and I asked her to marry me. Thankfully she said YES! Now before all this I told Courtney and Donovan to take photos, and a video. They both ended up taking a video, go figure right? (love you guys). It may not have gone perfectly as planned, but that’s the story of what I consider the best day of my life, so far.