We are so excited to celebrate!

After messaging back and forth for a few days on Hinge, a first date was set. Andy had dinner plans with a family friend that evening so, in looking for a convenient spot for both parties, Spin, an underground ping pong bar in downtown DC, felt like the perfect place. Nora arrived a few minutes before Andy and learned that they wouldn't be able to play ping pong as there was a DC sports league occupying all the tables. Luckily, Andy knew Spin had excellent drinks and the date went on! Nora and Andy each ordered a cocktail and shared orders of french fries and shishito peppers (little did they know that this would become a frequent order in their lives!). Conversation flowed easily and time flew by. Andy's family friend's flight was delayed so Andy suggested a second drink. Despite being a teacher with an early wake up, Nora quickly agreed. She couldn't (and still can't) get enough of Andy!

Having only gone away together once before Covid hit, Nora and Andy were eager to escape the city for a long Memorial Day weekend. Nothing, not even the fact that the weekend was unseasonably chilly and threatened by rain, could dampen their excitement. On Saturday afternoon, overlooking the beautiful rolling hills of the Shenandoahs at the King Family Winery in Charlottesville, Virginia, Nora and Andy sipped wine, took in the scenery, and enjoyed each other’s company. When they arrived back at the Airbnb, Nora followed Andy up the stairs and all of a sudden heard music. It wasn't until Nora got to the top of the stairs, saw a path of rose petals leading to the living room, recognized the lyrics of "Marry Me" by Train, and felt Andy grab her hand that she knew what was going on. Surrounded by rose petals in the shape of a heart, highlighted with tea candles and photos of the two of them, Andy got down on one knee and proposed. Nora said yes. Nora wanted to tell her family immediately, but Andy suggested that they just enjoy the afternoon and call families after dinner. Nora, on cloud nine, thought that sounded wonderful. They savored the moment, reliving the most romantic proposal. They dressed up for dinner and walked to the restaurant, another surprise Andy had planned for Nora. The hostess ushered them through the restaurant to their private room and a raucous cheer welcomed Nora and Andy. Both of their families had made the trip to celebrate. A totally shocked Nora, finally in on the full plan (three surprises!), could barely stand. After drinking, eating, and celebrating the magical night, both families ventured out the next morning for a beautiful hike on their way back to DC. (Copy and paste the link below to see Andy's third surprise in action!) https://photos.app.goo.gl/UGg5ETdWkhQhee32A