We met via online dating, Bumble was the app of choice. This particular app gives the woman all the control. Once you match, the woman decides whether or not to send the first message, which is what ultimately connects the two or not. So, you can guess what happened... Within our first couple of messages, we knew we’d struck gold, or should I say honey, lol. We were so intrigued by one another that we had our first date later on that day (our online chat took place post midnight), which is somewhat of a taboo in the online dating world. Michael was planning on going back to Roanoke, VA that day (he was visiting his family in Hickory, NC), but instead decided to stick around so we could meet in person. We decided to meet up at Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen in Gastonia, NC. That was a good public halfway point between us. I ordered my usual, chicken tenders, and Michael ordered the salmon. Talk about a great first date!! We ate yummy food, then sat and talked for hours, literally. We spent approximately 4 hours talking non-stop. There was never a silent moment. We talked about EVERYTHING on our first date, including the things you are not supposed to talk about on a first date, OOPS! It was just natural, unforced conversation. Michael insists that I was nervous because I couldn't maintain eye contact; however, I just didn't want him to get too mesmerized by my eyes or vice versa, lol. Even though we “bumbled” our way into each other’s lives in the early morning hours of July 16, 2018, we recognize our encounter at Cheddar’s on July 16, 2018 as the day we met.

Michael loves planning trips and adventures for us. It’s one of the qualities I love most about him. He’s very intentional when he plans. Every detail is thought of, I guess that’s the teacher/coach in him. The cottage we spent the weekend at in Little 5 Points of Atlanta, GA is nestled behind the AirBNB owner's, Leigh, main home. The walkway leading up to the cottage is very whimsical, especially at night. So, we had just spent an hour at Netherworld, America’s #1 Haunted Attraction, because we LOVE spooky season. On our way back to the cottage, Micheal made a stop at a QT, I later learned that the stop was purposefully planned for me to take my usual restroom break, I ALWAYS have to go. This stop was intended for him to be able to make “the call”. I did have to go, but decided I could hold it until we made it back to the cottage, putting a wrench in his master plan. So, he went in to use the restroom instead, so I thought. Really, he was checking in with Leigh, AirBNB owner, to make sure she had things set up at the cottage. Now, we're back at the cottage. As we enter the gate and start walking down the walkway, I notice some lights and a pumpkin that weren’t there before. At this point, I’m thinking, “who else is staying here with us?" As we get closer, I make out the words carved into an ivory white pumpkin, “MARRY ME?” In shock, “WHAT IS THIS?” “BABE!” “OMG!” are some of the words I recall myself saying, as I’m now facing the front door, only to turn around and see my guy on one knee with the biggest smile and most perfect ring, asking me to marry him. Now, the tears start flowing. I grab his face and pull him up to a kiss. He’s still holding the ring, I’m still in shock and crying. I then remember to officially say YES! He places the ring on my finger, it fits! We spend the next hour staging photos with the beautiful pumpkin props. This was the perfect ending to our night, and a beautiful start to our new journey together. We are beyond ecstatic!!