It was a warm October evening in Colorado when we met. Jessica had hesitated for several weeks, shy to meet a stranger she had only contacted on a dating app. After taking a deep breath, she walked into the Starbucks to be greeted by this mysterious stranger. Her heart fluttered as she saw his motorcycle helmet and leathers draped over the table. His tight shirt barely covered his biceps. When he opened his mouth to greet her she instantly fell in love with his deep smooth English accent that sounded so fancy, captivating, and seductive. Now to reality, aka Jessica’s version: Whilst Ollie exaggerates, some of that is true. I will let you determine which is which. I cannot help but to smile and laugh when reading Ollie’s version of how we met. His sense of humor shined through on our first date, making me feel really comfortable to be sitting down to have coffee with someone I had never met before. We spent a couple of hours sharing our lives and getting to know one another, mostly through Ollie’s challenging but well thought out questions. Like most stories, the first date turned into a second and so on from there. We were engaged 13 months later; to hear that story, continue reading.

It was a snowy day in Colorado, the day before the engagement. Jess and Ollie had just finished a stressful Thanksgiving Holiday when Ollie visited Jessica with wine, chocolate, and face masks! A night of pampering ensued, all planned by Ollie. He asked if he could take her out for lunch the next day, since the two had missed their weekly date night. Of course, she agreed. And so, on Saturday November 30th Ollie picked Jessica up and they went to the Melting Pot. When they were taken to their table there were a dozen red roses waiting for them. They enjoyed the two hour experience, four course meal, and bottle of wine. As it drew to a close, the waitress brought champagne! Ollie insisted it was not a request he made. In fact, he was terrified the roses and champagne would give it away. They gulped their champagne as Ollie whispered “We are late” and they had to run to the next destination. Jessica asked where they were going. Ollie casually replied he wanted to take her to one of his favorite places before it closed. They drove a few miles to the Botanic Gardens. With no one in sight, and surrounded by glittering untouched snow, the two walked to a private bench where he handed her a card. Holding back tears in his eyes for the soon-to-be moment, he asked her to read it aloud. As Jessica read through the carefully chosen words, it ended “Will you be mine?” At this point, Ollie got down on two knees in the snow and asked her to marry him. Jessica burst into tears of joy, “YES” she exclaimed! Seconds later, Jessica's parents appeared from their hiding place to congratulate them. After hugs and photos (taken by their hidden cameraman), the two began to walk back to the car. Jessica asked Ollie why this was one of his favorite places. With a sparkle in his eye, he responded, "Because this is where I asked you to marry me."

After the proposal Jessica and Ollie went to get coffee and spend time in prayer. Shortly after, they went back to Jessica's parent’s house. Ollie said they had bought champagne for a more intimate and quiet celebration. This seemed normal enough to Jessica. But, as she walked into the house, she was greeted with a roaring "CONGRATULATIONS!" from over 30 people! Ollie had planned a surprise engagement party with Jessica's family and friends! The best part? Some of Jessica's best friends had flown in from out of state. Jessica could not believe it. Ollie knew her so well, that having her friends and family together, at one of the biggest moments of her life, made for the perfect day.