We met at a party in Chapel Hill during the summer of 2017. For those who know Caroline, she takes a minute to warm up to new people. For those who know Manny, he is the...opposite. Manny tried breaking Caroline out of her shell with just about everything. His sister, Smacker, swam at Texas - does she know her? Does she want to be his partner in the next game? Does she want to know he won High Point in his little league swim league in Oklahoma in 2003? (She didn't). They went their separate ways that night with their friends but after Caroline followed Manny on Instagram the next morning, the rest is history. After a bit of persistence, Caroline and Manny went on their first date a few weeks later which included throwing the football in Kenan Stadium, grabbing ice cream at Coldstone, and Manny beating Caroline in mini golf. A few months later, Manny asked Caroline to be his girlfriend over enchiladas at Monterrey's in Chapel Hill after a Tar Heel win. Almost 6 years later, the two have lived in 4 different states (Counting the 2 month stay in Birmingham, Alabama), adopted their beloved pup, Franklin, seen more movies than they can count (thank you, AMC A-List), and have had fun through it all.

Caroline's POV: What started as a boat ride before dinner with Manny's family turned into one of the greatest surprises I could have ever imagined. The weather for the boat ride was *not ideal*, but Manny was insistent and I didn't want to rain on his parade (no pun intended). We stayed out on the water for about an hour and little did I know, Manny had organized most of my family and our friends to arrive at the house to eventually surprise me after the proposal. After docking the boat, we walked up the stairs of the dock and at the top, Manny bent down to scoop up the ring box hidden in the bushes and got down on one knee. After I said yes, our family and friends came out on the top balcony popping champagne and cheering, and I truly have never been so surprised. To have our family and friends there to celebrate meant the world to us and we can't wait to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you. See you in Chapel Hill! Manny's POV: Cake walk! If you want a good story - ask Katie and Sarah how I gave them 24 hour notice to figure out Caroline's ring size without tipping her off. Crushed it. Then, it took two trips to Naples to get the darn thing. I called Jack and Denise in what I consider to be my two biggest phone calls of my life so far to ask for 1. their blessing and 2. for them to surprise Caroline in Naples after the proposal. After I had the date nailed down, it was all about taking the next step to marrying my best friend. Nothing could ruin the day. a little rain didn't scare us from the boat. It may have brought into question my captain skills, but I was hoping for one thing – if Caroline lived in Jonesboro, Arkansas with me for two years, maybe she would come out on the boat in a storm with me. Wherever we may go, I know I want Caroline by my side through it all. After safely making it back to shore, I popped the question and we then got to celebrate with friends and family surrounding us. It's been a special six years and I know it will just get better for the two of us. Can't wait to see you soon!