Two strangers in Nashville downloaded a dating app. They filled out profile information, asked friends to proofread their pages, and started looking for love. A quick glance at each other's photo and they swiped right to show interest. It was a match! A budding conversation ensued before setting the first date. Late on a cold winter’s afternoon, a midwest boy waited patiently for his southern belle to arrive at the local coffee shop. He was early. He scanned the room for open seating but found none. Turning back to the door he watched as his date entered the building. He recognized her from the photos he had seen online. They locked eyes and smiled. After quick introductions they ordered: a black coffee for him and a tea for her. In a nervous panic the boy laughed about the lack of seating. Speaking with a fierce confidence the lady suggested braving the weather and sitting outside. The two indulged in warm conversation and company. They spoke of family, faith, and the future. Little did they know, that afternoon would be the catalyst to spark a lifetime together. Thanks Bumble!

Balloons. Lights. Champagne. Flowers. The apartment was decorated and ready for the surprise. The “plan” was to have another casual Friday night. I’d pick up Abigail from her apartment and head back to my place. We’d drop off my car and walk to one of our favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. When I arrived at her place that evening she was wrapping up a tough work week. Exhausted and feeling drained, Abigail pitched a new plan. That didn’t work for me. Doing my best to persuade her without giving away the surprise we agreed to order in food and lay low at my apartment. It was a short, but seemingly endless drive from her place to mine. We opened the door to my place and she immediately knew something was different. The dimly lit canopy lights strung from the ceiling set the mood. Giant balloons filled the room as string lights twinkled along the back wall. A bouquet of flowers sat eloquently on the edge of the table. The balloon in the middle read, “Marry Me.”