Carson's Perspective: I was running late for the first day of my business management class, which believe it or not, is unusual for me. Since I was late most seats had been taken at that point so I only had a couple of options, I thought to myself I might as well sit close to this cute girl. This ended up being one of my best decisions. Throughout the class, we exchanged friendly small talk when we could but I definitely had a crush from the start. I eventually mustered up the courage (by the end of the semester...) to ask her out on a date, to my surprise, she said yes! Our first date was at a local restaurant near Aquinas and we had a great time just enjoying each other's company. I remember how well the conversation flowed the entire time and I knew I had to see her again. More dates and hangouts came to follow and we both agreed that we were a great match. Charlotte's Perspective: Carson and I met in business management class at Aquinas College. He sat right next to me on the first day of class and definitely caught my eye. Due to our proximity, we were paired up for many in-class assignments which helped us get to know each other better. He was constantly making me blush, smile, and laugh. I knew I was done for though when Carson gave a presentation during class. He spoke so confidently, had bulging biceps, and we couldn’t keep our eyes off each other. Shortly after Carson asked me out on our first official date, brunch at Match Box Dinner in East GR. We had a great time learning about one another and making each other laugh. We both didn’t want the date to end and to prolong our time together Carson offered to drive me to my car. After that, our dates began stretching over multiple days but the whole time being together felt so comfortable, natural, and fun. I couldn’t have been happier to have found such a gem; he was handsome, intelligent, funny, and so thoughtful. After going official it only took us 17 days to say “I love you” and know that we had something special for the long haul. Over the last five years, our love for each other has only grown stronger. We can’t wait to tie the knot and are so happy to share our special moment with all of you!

Carson's Perspective: I had known for a while that I wanted to propose to Charlotte but I was waiting for the right time in both of our lives and at a certain point, I just couldn't wait any longer. I had it in my mind that I wanted to surprise her completely, but wasn't entirely sure how to pull it off. My dad, Pete, came up with a great idea to pull a bait and switch on Charlotte with our upcoming family photos that we all got for my mom, Shannon, as a Mother's Day gift. I loved the idea and ran with it from there. I had told Charlotte that the photography session we gifted my mom was scheduled for July. This gave the perfect excuse for her to get dressed up and her nails done. I had scoped out the exact spot with our friend and photographer Lila a week in advance. The day of the proposal I was beyond nervous, I just had to get her from work to the park without letting anything slip but it felt beyond impossible. However, I was able to keep calm and get her to the park. On our walk to the "professional photographer", I stopped us in our tracks and pointed out a duck in the river to Charlotte (her favorite animal). When she went to look, she didn't see a duck but as soon as she turned around I was on one knee. The shock on her face is something I'll never forget. She ended up saying yes even though I had pulled such a big prank on her. From there I surprised her with an engagement party filled with friends and family and we had an amazing night. It couldn't have gone better and I wouldn't change anything. Charlotte's Perspective: Carson had told me weeks in advance that professional family photos were scheduled for Friday, July 14th at 6 pm at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids. I believed this to be a totally legit event since Carson, myself, and the rest of the family had purchased a session for his mom, Shannon, for Mother’s Day. Day of I rushed home from work and got ready in under 45 minutes. I talked about my day the whole ride over, which Carson later told me he was happy about because he was too nervous for small talk. When we got to the park Carson told me his family was running late but we could meet the photographer on the other side of the park. My first thought was to drive since the park is miles long, I was in heels, and it was 80 degrees out. Carson insisted on walking which I thought was ridiculous but ultimately gave in because he flashed the puppy dog eyes. As we were walking, Carson started reminiscing about other sweet moments we had shared at Riverside, including many pizza picnics, hammocking dates, and strolls. I remember thinking he was being very sweet and nostalgic but that we had to pick up the pace so we could meet the photographer. Carson then points out a duck in the river, which is my favorite animal. I looked at the river but couldn't see the duck, so I turned back to Carson for help but to my surprise he was on one knee and proposing. He told me how I have made him so incredibly happy over the last five years and that he couldn’t imagine his life without me. I was so shocked but elated! As we all know, I said yes. We kissed, laughed, and cried and our dear friend Lila was there to capture the whole proposal on camera. After the initial shock wore off I asked Carson “So your family let you hijack their photos for this?” I was surprised (again) to learn that the photos were a ruse (the real session was a month later) and that the main event of the evening was our proposal. Carson then told me that my sister was in town from Chicago (another surprise) and that he had arranged a dinner with our siblings to celebrate! When we got to the restaurant, I was surprised once again to find a whole engagement party waiting for us with our parents, siblings, and friends all in attendance. It felt so wonderful to be celebrated and seeing/experiencing all of the thought and care Carson put into the proposal made my heart melt. I was truly on cloud nine and will be forever grateful for that moment.