It all started when I (Danny) went to a pool party at the Omni hotel in Dallas with one of my best friends – and now groomsmen – Justin. He invited his friend’s fiance’s sister (Joey) to join us and she brought her roommate along (Alesia). Enamored is an understatement, but it’s the best I can do to describe how I felt when I met her. We spent the day drinking way-too-expensive Miami Vices and being the shy guy that I am, I didn’t really talk to her too much. At one point, I insisted Alesia and Joey take a picture together; I took her phone and instead of taking a picture of them I took a selfie of me and my friends. I sent that selfie from Alesia’s phone to mine and that’s how I sneakily got her number, which I then saved as “future wife”. I didn’t text my future wife much after that. I tried sending her funny videos and making small talk but the conversation quickly fizzled out. Fast forward a month when I was in Dallas for my final work trip; I went out on the only night I had off and that’s when I randomly saw Joey and tried to say hi. By “tried to say hi” I mean I chased after her and that’s when I saw Alesia. Tequilla gave me the confidence to ask her on a date and we went out the next day, and then the next. I was fortunate enough to get another customer in the Dallas area and we were able to make this long distance thing work until I eventually moved to Texas.

We didn’t get to spend our 2 year anniversary together, so I planned a make-up day date for us. I had the whole day mapped out and it started with making homemade bagels. Next stop was manicures; I know, I’m a genius. My plan was off to a great start until Alesia decided to mess up one of her nails, can you guess which one? Yes, she messed up the polish on her left ring finger. At this point I was convinced she knew I wanted to propose and her messing up her nails was her way of saying “don’t do it”. Luckily she was able to fix it while we drank champagne flights at stop number three and we were back on track. After a few more snacks and drinks we went home to freshen up for dinner. I forgot to make reservations so Alesia and I ate dinner standing up (whoops). While we were at dinner, Natalie (Maid of Honor) and my good friend Mike were in my apartment setting up the proposal. In addition to not making dinner reservations, I was a bad date and kept checking my phone. I was waiting for the “all clear” text from Natalie and Mike letting me know they were done. We finished up dinner and headed home. Alesia walks in ahead of me and as I’m shuffling around to get the ring out, she sees the “Marry Me” balloons, flowers, and candles. She turns to me (still looking for the ring) and says “is this for me?” It was for her, and she said yes. We celebrated by ourselves for a few minutes; hugging, crying, and hugging some more. We spent some time FaceTiming our parents and then our friends who were waiting nearby flooded my apartment to celebrate.