We're getting Married!

It seems like ages ago, and also just yesterday, that we were first introduced at a college house party when we were just sophomores at the University of Oregon, over 12 years ago! It was a quick meeting that first night but of course, the world (and Eugene) is small, and we saw each other again the next night, at yet another friend's house party. This time, Maddie asked Skyler to dance. Since it was too difficult to say much of anything on the chaotic dance floor, she asked him if he wanted to go outside to chat. How could he resist her charms? Of course, things went from there. And, well, we've been pretty inseparable ever since!

Under the guise of a date night, Skyler asked Maddie to not make plans the Saturday after Christmas. To continue the ruse, his Christmas gifts to her were a gift card to Knot Springs, a favorite Portland spa, for a soaking pool sesh that day, and a gift card to Afuri, another favorite spot, for dinner that night. After a relaxing couple hours at the spa, we came home and, in true Maddie fashion, she took a nap. Skyler had to wake Maddie and seemed to be stressing about getting to dinner on time. When we got to Afuri, on time of course, the hostess said the wait would be over an hour and a half (they didn't accept reservations in advance). Maddie didn't think much of it and started scouting for other dinner spots, while Skyler surreptitiously told the hostesses that he planned to propose that night and asked if there was anything they could do. They came through, and we had a great dinner, Maddie being only slightly suspicious the whole time. When we got home, Skyler suggested walking through the front door, not typical, and Maddie knew something was up. We went inside to find the living room decorated with flowers and candles and photos of us, all set up by Clarissa, Maddie's sister, while we were at dinner. Music was playing and Skyler proposed; we both forget exactly what he said. Naturally, we popped champagne to celebrate when Maddie noticed a car outside and asked if people were coming over. Sure enough, all the fam came in, and a few friends too, to celebrate with us. A truly great night!