We found each other through an online dating site. Having lots of things in common, it was really the sarcasm and sharp wit that we both shared that brought us together and made us decide to meet up for drinks at the Pharmacy in Cary, NC. Most first dates are like job interviews with lots of questions about our past lives. Instead, we talked about things we liked, music, food and wine. It was easy conversation that made us continue seeing each other. We both knew pretty quickly that we had found someone special.

After dating for almost a year, and dropping a few hints to test the waters, Steve decided it was time to pop the question. He knew that Nikki was close to her family and wanted to not only ask for their blessings, but to include them in the proposal. He figured the best time and place would be at the upcoming parents' weekend in Colorado with Nikki's daughter, Valerie. A lot of the family was going and he decided to use a zoom meeting to have the others be there. He told his own parents first, who were very happy and supportive. He planned to tell Nikki's parents in person during an upcoming trivia night, but missed the opportunity to get them alone when Nikki somehow made it through the night without going to the restroom. That never happens?! All night he was quite anxious waiting to ask for their blessing. He messed up easy trivia questions and was quite unfocused. They thought he was sick or something was wrong and kept asking if he was alright. He called them the next day to explain and they were delighted with the news. It was all pretty stressful, but he next called both daughters Danielle and Valerie to ask for their blessings. Thankfully, they were also very excited and supportive. Finally, to save his nerves (and for efficiency's sake) Steve decided a group text to the three sisters would have to suffice! Everyone was on board with the surprise proposal and Steve needed help with choosing the perfect location. After some back and forth they decided to plan a family dinner at The Grand View Dining Room at The Garden of the Gods resort. A beautiful restaurant with floor to ceiling windows and a spectacular view of the Garden of the Gods national park. It even had an outdoor area perfect for taking photos. Steve made the reservations and asked for champagne to be at the table when they arrived for a fake toast that would actually be for the proposal. He set up the zoom call details and then everything was planned and ready for the big day. Once in Colorado, things did not go entirely to plan. The "story" was that Nikki's stepmom Linda was the one to suggest the restaurant and was to announce to everyone at lunch that she had made dinner reservations. However, Nikki's sister Julia, jumped in and started talking about the restaurant and how she heard great things. This was followed by Nikki asking lots of specific questions to which Julia had no good answers. She had no idea about the restaurant or even what type of food they served. Still after a few other close calls, Nikki had no idea what was about to happen. It was finally the big day, but there was a problem. Nikki was not feeling well with the altitude and needed to lie down. Steve was now worried she would cancel dinner! Trying not freak out he got medication and brought her back to the room to rest, hoping she would rally and be up for dinner. Thankfully, she did and was still not suspecting anything, so they left for the restaurant. After getting there, Steve had to disappear to secretly set up the zoom call. This was not easy and took forever with the terrible reception in the mountains. He finally managed to get everyone on the call and went back to propose. Steve had just started his unscripted speech, when a clueless waiter interrupted to ask about the wine choice. He was so embarrassed when he realized what was going on, but everyone had a laugh and now Nikki figured out what Steve was up to. Steve proceeded to tell the story of how and why they had come to this moment and asked everyone on the zoom call to unmute and let Nikki know they were there too. At the end, Nikki obviously said yes and everyone in the restaurant applauded.