We first met thanks to a mutual friend who thought we might hit it off. They invited us both to a backyard BBQ, and while JL knew he was being set up, he didn’t realize it was with me—so at first, he barely paid attention! That quickly changed once the secret was out, and it didn’t take long for both of us to realize this time felt different.

Our first date was simple but perfect—grabbing a drink at a bar and listening to live music together. From there, things unfolded naturally.

Together, we’ve built a rhythm that reflects who we are—hardworking, adventurous, and always ready for a challenge. We love live music, getting outside, and try to plan a backpacking trip at least once a year.

When JL proposed, he pulled off everything perfectly. Around Christmas, he told me he had a friend’s dinner coming up the following Friday.

As that Friday got closer, my suspicions were raise when I overheard JL very awkwardly cancel a dinner reservation and then deny it. But my Maid of Honor, Alex, downplayed it so well that I brushed it off.

The day of the supposed dinner, he casually said he was going to take the dogs for a walk—and of course, I insisted on joining. On our usual route, I thought nothing of it when he stopped, as if to tie his shoe. When I turned around, he was on one knee. I immediately said “Yes!”—and was overjoyed. Luckily, I had still managed to sneak in a nail appointment “just in case”.

We then went to a nice dinner and, true to form, were an hour late to the surprise party because I insisted on ordering crème brûlée—it was worth it.