Dakota had just worked 3 night shifts in a row. She came home around 8 am that Friday morning to a living room filled with balloons (something Rachel had done when they first started dating) and a cute, funny card. The card stated that they would be leaving the house around noon, to sleep a little, what to pack, and get ready for a weekend away. Dakota got some sleep and packed a bag while Rachel packed the rest of their house into her truck. Once in the truck, Dakota asked how far they would be traveling and the dirty look she received left her knowing this was ALL a surprise. After about an hour driving, Dakota questioned if she was being brought to her demise... all that was around were the Virginia mountains and cows, so many cows. Not soon after, they pulled up to a small gate and Rachel got out to unlock it. Once through the gate, they pulled up to the most beautiful view with a quaint farm house and barn. They got out, explored the property a bit and Rachel reveled that this is where they would be staying for the weekend. After about 10 minutes, Rachel grabbed Dakota's hand and asked her to sit on the porch swing that overlooked the breathtaking view. Rachel proceeded to read a text message she had sent when they first got together about what she pictured their future to look like. The text was almost word for word the beautiful life they had built over the past couple years and hoped to continue building for years to come. There were tears, giggles, and a lot of other sweet words exchanged before Rachel played Porch Swing Angel by Muscadine Bloodline and asked Dakota if she wanted to do this forever. Now if you know them, you know how special porch swings and that song are to them as it was a recreation of their first kiss. Without one more second of hesitation, Dakota screamed YES!!! It was the most wonderful, intimate, loving proposal and although there are no pictures or videos of it actually happening, it will forever be the best moment of their lives. The fun was not even close to being over, it hadn't even started. After jumping up and down all over the property and holding her new ring up to the sky to show her grandmother (Elaine), Dakota tried calling her mom and sister to share the news. As this was happening in the house, 2 of Dakota's best friends, Emily and Sam, walked up the driveway. To say she freaked out would be an understatement. Lots of screams and tears as her mother and her mother's boyfriend proceeded to drive up the driveway as well. After more exploring of the house and getting a little settled in, all of them headed to Brewing Tree where Rachel is a bartender to celebrate with some local friends... so Dakota thought... When they arrived, Rachel's parents were there, her sister Abbey, and a whole handful of her best friends from PA. A lot of local people showed up to celebrate with us and we could not have been happier. It all felt like a dream! All of the out-of-towners came back to our little farm house and around midnight the surprises continued. Katie and Jess, Dakota's best friends from childhood walked through the door after they had face-timed her on their own couches not even 6 hours prior. Full happy tears and meltdown occurred as the shock tookover. The next morning while getting ready, Dakota was called downstairs to take a photo and as she entered the kitchen, her college bestie Lexi was standing in the doorway. Lexi was in medical school in AZ at the time and flew across the country for this. More screams and tears, just the biggest and best surprise. The day continued with a cookout, live music from our favorite local artist Rachel had come play in the living room, and so much singing, dancing, and love it felt unreal. It was the best weekend of our whole lives and we cant wait to top it our wedding weekend with yall!! Thank you so much for celebrating with us, we love and appreciate you more than words can say!