Joe and I met on a blind date during the pandemic. If that isn't crazy enough, we were set up by his mom and my friend/massage therapist. (I know!) God works in mysterious, yet beautiful ways. I was told that Joe is very traditional and wanted to officially set up a date with me. The moment that he called, my phone froze for 30 minutes just as I attempted to answer the call. So much for a great first impression, I thought. When we finally did connect, Joe was very understanding and he sounded pretty handsome on the phone! Because we were meeting during the pandemic when indoor seating was at a premium, Joe arrived over an hour early to stake out not one, but three different locations. I was certainly impressed by his initiative. When Joe asked me on a second date, I was so elated that I practically skipped to get a refill of tea! I wasn't sure at that point if he was the one (he was quite outdoorsy for my taste, haha!), but a friend encouraged me, noting that someone who stakes out three locations for a blind date certainly earns at least a couple more dates. We've been enjoying trail running and camping ever since! I'm so glad that we have had quite a few more adventures since then, and I'm eager to be his partner for life!

I knew that Susan's favorite place is the beach, and I wanted her to experience a sunrise unlike any other. That was at the forefront of my mind throughout the entire planning process; I wanted it to be an unforgettable moment. I spent several days prior planning what I was going to say. However, when that morning came, it all left my mind. I had created an elaborate plan to bring speakers, so that we could swing dance on the beach, but that didn't happen either. I was so nervous! We arrived when it was pitch black, and got to witness the most stunning sunrise that we had ever seen. As we watched the new dawn unfold, we finally came to the end of the sunrise, and I hadn't proposed yet. I was waiting for the perfect moment throughout the entire morning. After the sun was fully up, Susan wanted to embrace the water, so we walked down to the waterfront. I followed behind her and realized it was now or never! I got down on one knee amidst the ocean waves, and asked the love of my life to be with me the rest of our lives. And to this day, we don't quite remember what I said anyway! What we do remember is the most gorgeous red sun ever, which coincidentally resurfaced in the sunset during our engagement photos.