We were lucky enough to meet each other for the first time twice. We met for the first time at the end of our first year at James Madison University. Set up on a date by mutual friends, we found that the timing was not right and went our separate ways. We crossed paths again at a gathering of mutual friends a few years later. The summer before our senior year, we started talking, even while continents away as Haley was in Spain and Japan at the time. Our first date started at a local Harrisonburg restaurant, Cuban Burger, and ended with us talking until 2 in the morning. While one of us was more eager than the other (Nathan asked Haley to be his girlfriend on the first date!), we fell for one another quickly. We have been together ever since and are always grateful we got to meet for the first time twice.

Haley and Nathan dated for three years. Haley earned an incredible opportunity to fulfill a Fulbright scholarship overseas in Argentina. The process of applying had taken almost two years, and there was no question she had to go. At the end of the eight months that Haley was in another hemisphere, Nathan was waiting for her at the airport when she got home. Haley had been very clear that Nathan was not to propose to her before Thanksgiving, so he waited until the day after. After going to several locations they had been on dates before, Nathan took Haley to her favorite restaurant in Carytown, a dessert place called Shyndigz. There, Nathan proposed and Haley said yes. Now we both are excited to spend the rest of our lives going on adventures together.