I had given my fair try at online dating via various apps. I was about to delete Bumble but was convinced by friends and family to give it one more shot. Danny's profile was one of the first few listed in my "Interested in You" page on the app. Aside from thinking he was very cute and handsome, I remember his profile included all things outdoors and a love for the Lord of The Rings Trilogy. What more could a girl ask for?

While visiting my parents for dinner and football one Sunday evening, I messaged him and instantly felt a connection unlike others I had experienced. We chatted for almost a week before I had the courage to ask him out on a date. We met at a local brewery in the Rancho Cordova area. He was even more charming in person with beautiful eyes and a kind, soft voice. We talked all things life - family, friends, outdoor adventures, work, interests/hobbies, and more. I knew he was unlike any guy I had ever dated. We set up a second date that evening that included an escape room and something I love almost as much as Danny - ice cream ;)

Fast forward to 6 months later, we bought our first home together. And then almost a year to the date we met, he proposed. We were traveling with my parents to Utah and Arizona. The Grand Canyon was our final destination. On our last night of the trip, we visited the South Rim at sunset for what I thought was going to be Christmas Card photos. Danny asked me to look out at the horizon and remove a pair of gloves I had on...I know, dead giveaway there. He then asked me to turn around, and there I found him on one knee with a small teal box that contained a beautiful ring made of my Grandma Jean's wedding ring diamonds.

That moment is what I consider to be the start of our grand adventure, something I will always hold dear to my heart and constantly relive in my head over and over. I look forward to marrying my best friend in a place that I consider home. We are so excited to celebrate our love with you all in beautiful Lake Tahoe!

I look back now at the time when me and Carly first started dating, and it feels now as if this was all meant to be, as if it could only have been this way. But at the time, I was full of uncertainty with no idea how this relationship would change my life.

As many of us have done, I had gone through many cycles of trying online dating, hating online dating, deleting the app, trying to meet people in regular life and being unsuccessful. For the umpteenth time, I installed Bumble and there she was, my very first match this time was a beautiful woman with a disarming smile and a kindness in her blue eyes.

The next 6 months flew by in a flurry of dates, quiet nights in, and adventures outside. From enjoying IPAs together at Burning Barrell, watching Lord of the Rings, to rappelling in the Subway, I learned that I had found my forever partner. Someone who I trusted, who shared my values, and my goals for our future.

I knew immediately how special Carly is, and how important she is to me. I knew I wanted to ask Carly to marry me, but I wanted to find the perfect venue and setting so it would always be special to us. Our trip to the Grand Canyon seemed to be the perfect opportunity. With the help of Carly's parents, without whom our proposal would have been incomplete, I asked Carly to marry me, and she said yep. :-)

Me and Carly are so excited to celebrate our commitment with you all!