Once upon a time, there was a girl swiping on her Hinge app, like all millennials do, when she came across a picture of a cute guy and his cat. Being a sucker for cats, she of course swiped right (for you boomers, that's a good thing), because a man who loves cats is just a walking green flag. The two were a match! It is unknown what they talked about because it's been four years and their dating profiles are long gone but I'm sure it involved cats, Harry Potter, work life, travel history, and the St. Louis Blues. Eventually the two went on their first date at good ol' Sarasota Food and Beer because it was right next to the girls apartment and she doesn't like driving. The two sat at the bar to have burgers and drinks, the boy dumbly commenting that she was a cheap date and she berated him for getting a Bud Light when there were so many cocktail options.

Months passed and they dated until finally on the weekend of her 28th? 29th? birthday he asked her to be his girlfriend. She said yes.

They continued to build their relationship and grow as a couple and as individuals. On the boys 30th birthday (which is also on Valentines day, unfortunately for the girl) the girl decorated her whole apartment for him with balloons, streamers, and signs. The boy was so appreciative of the effort she put in that he realized this was the time and place to tell her he loved her. She screamed. And said she loved him too.

They celebrated many birthdays and holidays since then, took a trip to the Midwest to see her family and friends and to West Virginia to see his, had a wonderful trip to Maine. They've enjoyed mornings on the beach, walks around the farmers markets, movie dates, and competitive miniature golf games. Finally after some encouragement the boy came up with a masterful plan to...you guessed it... propose! And as you can see from the photos, he did good.

The two have thoroughly enjoyed their engagement. They celebrated with family and friends, with their furbaby Siren, and with each other. The months went by, they bought a house, they looked at venues, they realized how expensive everything is, they panicked and couldn't decide what the heck to do. But then finally after going back and forth on whether or not to elope, have a micro wedding, or go all out, they came to a decision to celebrate with those they love at a beautiful winery (side note: all kudos to the boys mother who kicked their butts into gear and got the ball rolling). And here we are! Excited to celebrate our love with all of you!