Carly's side of the story:

A few weeks after we met, David asked if I would want to go skiing in Ohio with the guys. I was a little surprised that he would want me to join in on the boys weekend and had to think on it. After talking with my friends, they just said, "Stop wondering about it and just go!" Some of the best advice I ever received. I am really good at wanting things to go a certain way…OK fine, I'm a complete perfectionist-control freak, so going into this weekend away was really going out on a limb for me. Small thing to mention, I had never skied before. Oh, but David, he’s an accomplished skier. No pressure but you see, I’m pretty competitive so the real test was how to look pro level out the gate. Totally unrealistic expectation to have for myself but I was determined to show up and show out.

After waiting 4 hours in line for our ski equipment and another hour to pick up lift passes, we were still smiling. The time finally came where we were going up the mountain (David let me know it was more like a hill, but hey, first time skier here!). Fast forward to tooting my own horn by saying I glided off the lift bench and approached the top of the run. Here I was, in all my glory, the dental school friends posted up and eyes were on me. It's go time.

David skies down a couple yards, looks back and says, “Come on, Carly!”. This is where our love begins. I was internally wanting to strangle him. Might I add there were no test runs on the bunny hills or talking me through pizza & french fry. Just come on Carly! Mind you, I just came off my parent’s insurance so now I’m really considering the risks, what is my deductible again? So, here went nothing!

It wasn’t pretty, but I did it. Once I got down to the bottom, David said “let’s practice more on the flat run in the back and we can meet up with everyone in a little”. Totally wish this could have been my starting point, but hey, I’m hooked now.

I might add that we took a small break back to go to the car to drop off a hat and scarf where we proceeded to find David’s Acura rim to the ground. Good thing for him...I know how to change a tire! But, he insisted he could do it with one of the guys (thanks Kev for giving him a hand). So I stood back and watched. I could continue on and on about this weekend because it was pretty special, but bottom line this was the real deal and I knew it quick.

Little did I know my life was going to change in the biggest way after meeting David. The days became that much more special. He has filled our days with laughter and fun. After a year and a half of long distance, I joined my guy up in Detroit to finish out our professional degrees which conclude May (me) and June (D). Estimating ~ 70 trips (x2) back and forth from Detroit to Indy by the time you are reading this. It was worth it all. We are starting to grow into our life together back home in Indianapolis where we will be moving into our first home!

David, you are my best friend and greatest joy. I can’t wait for all that we have ahead of us. I’ve never known a love like this.

Thank you so much for your generosity. We cannot wait to celebrate with you on our big day!