We knew each other throughout college. A Hampden-Sydney man and a Sweet Briar girl, who were always friendly, but it took one night with friends at the Fishin' Pig to begin our history. After a few dates in Richmond, Lynchburg, and hikes around the Blue Ridge, I went off to Oxford for the summer, and Miles stayed in Richmond. We kept in touch through email and writing love "letters" over Google Docs. Once I returned stateside, we made it official at the Grand Opening of Third Street. This was just the first chapter of our story, and we cannot wait to write many more!

I knew I wanted to marry her in July and finally had everything ready by the following May. We made plans to take our dog Rupert to Crabtree Falls in Virginia for a weekend of camping, cooking outdoors, tents, and romantic jaunts under the stars! We packed our cooler, camping supplies (and engagement ring) into my car and headed for the hills. I was so excited to finally get her to agree to go tent-camping and was excited to also pop the question. When the timing was perfect and the courage was mustered, we went for a walk around the campsite. She had no idea. I ran ahead into the night; I hoped that she would follow. The next time she saw me I was on one knee and finally asked her to be my wife. Without hesitation she said yes and we spent the next hour (as a family) sitting by the fire, taking pictures of the ring, and sipping cold beer. It was perfect. The car ride home was electric. We called all of the important people in our lives to tell them the good news. We began planning immediately and the whole process has truly been a joy. We are so excited to join in marriage and I am so glad that we became engaged in the company of our dog, a burning camp fire, and the stars of the Blue Ridge Mountains.