Hallie decided to create a Hinge account, and Marcus did as well. Lo and behold these two decided to meet. It was a Friday night, and Marcus finally woke up from his nap (if you know Marcus, this makes too much sense). We met at a Starbucks, then once we deemed each other to be normal(ish), we had dinner the same night. We connected over crazy stories and all the ways our paths had crossed over the years – country concerts, mutual friends, growing up in the same areas, and working less than a mile apart. We talked for hours, and it is safe to say, nothing has changed since then!

The dating years started with Newport Beach bars and Temecula wineries. Over the years, we went to countless country concerts, traveled around California and Arizona, and spent a lot of time out and about. When the pandemic hit, we learned to enjoy staying in and long weekend getaways to close-by locations – Palm Springs, San Diego, Idyllwild, and Big Bear to name a few. During this time, Marcus made a commitment to sobriety and we became members of Mariners Church. We have laughed, cried, and grown so much as individuals and as a couple.

So this is Marcus here typing! Hallie and I went ring shopping for our 3-year anniversary, and after looking she decided on the one she wanted. The next day I bought the ring, and our guy went to work putting it together. Hallie had absolutely no clue about the engagement. Reagan, the Maid of Honor, and I had been planning this for months. Hallie and I were headed to Buffalo, NY for my brother's wedding and decided to make a trip after to spend time with Reagan and Derek closer to NYC. Hallie, Reagan, and I went to the city for some sightseeing. We went to Times Square, walked around the city, and took dozens of pictures. Finally, we got to the destination, Central Park. I knew this was the perfect place to ask her to marry me. We got to a bridge that was picture-perfect with the NY skyline in the background, and I dropped to one knee…and now, here we are!