Hannah was running the box office at a Red Octopus show. Joel was going out for the first time since knee surgery. They noticed each other before the show and at intermission, and started hanging out after the show at the after party at 610. Somehow, despite having what seemed like a hundred mutual friends, they had never met. After hanging out a few more times, Hannah moved to California, but they kept talking. Every day. She eventually moved back to Little Rock, just to give it a shot, just in time for Covid to hit the world. In the meantime, they fell in love, got a dog, kept going to 610, and never looked back.

We had planned a trip to France that was scheduled to leave April 1, 2020. Obviously, that trip was put on hold, until April 2022. Everybody we know was sure we would get engaged on this trip. It was a little overwhelming with all the questions about it! Joel made it clear he was not planning to propose, and made it seem as if he didn't even have a ring yet. Our fist full day in France, we went to the village of Giverny, where Monet lived and painted. Hannah really wanted, more than anything, to see where the Water Lily series was painted. We waited until there was a break in tour groups, and had the bridge to ourselves. With the help of a lovely, random British woman taking pictures, and Hannah completely oblivious, Joel dropped to a knee and asked for forever. We kept it to ourselves and celebrated for two amazing weeks before sharing with our loved ones.