Who would have ever thought on that cold February day in 2014 that Chapter One of a sweet love story would unfold in a technology "scrum room" at an uptown Charlotte Bank of America office? Wes - the new, seemingly quiet software developer - carefully selected his seat on his first day at the new job, conveniently located in the corner of the room where he could hide behind his dual jumbo monitors away from the bustling project commotion.

Although he presumably went unnoticed as he crouched behind Monitor 1 to begin churning out some Appian plug-ins, Dawn (me!) - one of the few female teammates - couldn't help but notice those GQ glasses peering quietly over the top of Monitor 2 as Wes searched for his buddy Richard. "Well, who is that new cutie claiming the corner seat?" I secretly thought, "....and how awesome that he comes in to work after 9am like me!!"

Thanks to Richard and his nonchalant cordiality, introductions ensued before the three of us jumped in to work on our initial project requirements together..followed by a 7-11 run across the street that became a daily break routine. Though an unlikely pair to some, Wes and I had an immediate little spark from the first exchange, especially when our similar backgrounds, values, interests (and Southern accents!) were realized. It was at that moment when the Wes and Dawn journey began...the first chapter of a beautiful, yet unexpected love story!

Since our initial meeting in 2014, Wes and I have traveled a long yet interesting road as a couple that began as work buddies.

Throughout 2014, we worked closely together every day in the Bank of America project room described in the first chapter. One of the attributes I really admired about Wes as I grew to know him better professionally was how consistently calm and laid-back he was in that corner seat despite the project stress and chaos surrounding us. I appreciated his tranquil presence in the midst of aggressive deadlines and project demands, especially given my high-strung, perfectionistic nature!

At work I gradually learned to avoid the frenzy of the shared project room by sitting in a small adjacent conference room that we later referred to as "Dawn's Office." Wes would stop by "my office" to say hello and to check in on me periodically, especially when he knew I was extremely stressed and needed some encouragement or a quick laugh. Wes was very skilled at discerning my mood and always knew just what to say or do to motivate me and lift my spirits. On one occasion Wes knew I'd had a nagging headache all day, and he brought me a little bottle of Tylenol that he so thoughtfully picked up at 7-11 across the street. We both started to notice how we were very in tune with each others' feelings, styles and preferences, which brought us closer together.

After work we occasionally began to have dinner or go to a few events - sometimes with our buddy Richard and other times on our own. We realized how our family backgrounds and upbringing were extremely similar, and often laughed at the sayings and antics of our sweet families. I also had the pleasure of meeting Wes's parents (Johnny and Donna) at a few after-work events before we started dating and immediately realized just how much they were like my precious parents (Jimmy and Joan).

We especially connected well over our mutual love and appreciation for music, including a wide variety of genres and artists. Although we experienced some different pop culture references, we found it quite enjoyable to educate each other on our respective song favorites from growing up. (Of course I introduced Wes to some 80s hair bands and taught him some random rock trivia I learned from my brother!) :-)

In 2015, Wes and I grew much closer during a two-week offsite training course for software we leveraged on our bank project at the time (Appian - which is now Wes's core skill set for his current consulting work). Although I don't have a computer science background, I wanted to learn the software to enhance my analysis and design skills for related projects and to dip into some development work with the product. Throughout the 2-week "boot camp" course, Wes (and Richard!) guided and supported me along the way, instilling confidence I needed in my ability to learn it. Richard, Wes and I were like the 3 Musketeers during the class, occasionally getting ourselves into trouble with some minor mischief but primarily supporting each other to ultimately receive our certifications!

By the time we "graduated" from our Appian certification course, Wes and I had become best buds...and finally explored the idea of dating beyond our after-work hangouts. Such exciting possibilities were before us!

When Wes and I initially started dating, we kept each other "at arm's length" - perhaps subconsciously because we were not ready to be serious with anyone based on previous track records. As a result, we dated off-and-on somewhat casually for the next 2 years. Although difficult at times due to stopping and starting again, we realized we had to go through some of the down times to fully appreciate the depth of feeling we had for each other and to realize the strong foundation we had to build upon as a couple.

Throughout our dating time, we enjoyed a number of awesome dates and events together which included introductions and activities across our sets of friends. Some of these memorable occasions included Jaron's singing gigs for which Wes was the drummer, UNC and Panthers game viewing parties with Kathleen/ Rob (though UNC is a sore subject with Wes's NC State roots!), celebrating Di's sweet mother's 70th birthday, hitting the town and "going outside" with Jake, welcoming/ sending off Pat & Liz during their visits from London, hanging out with Richard and his lively dog Buzz, having dinner with my brother Scott during his visit from CA, and attending Kevin/ Leslie's wedding while staying with Kinsey & Andy in Greenville. We had a blast getting to know each other better and getting a glimpse into each others' worlds!

Our sweet relationship grew very organically over a period of 4 years with many ups and just a few downs..but in looking back, we are so thankful for the way our path was woven so carefully and beautifully in just the way God intended! At some point in 2016 we knew that we really loved each other and shared our feelings...and I was so excited that I don't think I slept a wink that night!

By 2017, we were both aligned and ready to move forward into a fully committed relationship...finally!! :-) This season of our journey has been the best time of our lives and included some wonderfully memorable times during which we opened doors to closer interactions with our families and friends. One of my most treasured times during this period was visiting with Wes's mom (Donna) during several summer weekends to help her clean out the farm house she was getting ready to sell...not to mention the golf cart that didn't work, but somehow Donna sold! In the midst of the many treasures we discovered in the farm house basement, I found the highly prized wall decoration that I now have mounted in my basement...the infamous stuffed hawk and chipmunk (pictured in the photo gallery - lol)!! Oh, the laughs we had during that little excursion!!

We've also enjoyed more dedicated time with Wes's brother and sister-in-law, Pat & Liz, since they moved back from London (including a few delicious meals at the amazing new 73 & Main restaurant thanks to Liz's dad!), as well as with Wes's sister Kinsey and her husband Andy...especially during the holidays and over long weekends! We've had more quality time together with my brother Scott as well. Last June we scooped up my mom (Joan) and embarked on a fabulous trip to CA to visit Scott and Bonnie, which included an awesome gig with my brother's band along with lots of fun Orange County activities. We were so proud of my mom for stepping out and trying new things on our CA adventure! It's also been a joy getting to know Wes's grandma Meme better, as well as our respective aunts, uncles and cousins...what fun-loving and supportive relatives we have!

Over the past few months, we've adored having Wes's (and my soon-to-be) baby nephews to play with - Pat & Liz's son, Dawson, and Andy & Kinsey's son, Beckson! It's amazing how much joy they've brought to our families! My favorite part of the last 6 months has been bringing my mom along to the get-togethers with Wes's family so that we can all share family time at holiday/ weekend "slumber parties." These gatherings always entail lots of laughing, eating, watching movies, playing games, cuddling with the babies, quoting my dad's Southern sayings, and more eating... :-) . With Donna's amazing cooking skills, this family will never go hungry!! I have a lot to live up to as far as cooking in Wes's family...all the girls are phenomenal in the kitchen!

Wes and I also enjoyed a few different vacations together in the past few years, although (no surprise to most) Wes typically brought his laptop to get in some work while traveling!! Some of our favorite trips aside from CA included Punta Cana, Hilton Head, Miami Beach (as part of an Appian software vendor conference), Outer Banks, N. Myrtle/ Wrightsville beaches (in some dear friends' family condos), VA Beach with Wes's family, and the TN mountains where I met Wes's friend Brittany for the first time at her gorgeous wedding as well as his other college buddies!

In the midst of all the happy occasions, a few unfortunate events definitely brought Wes and me closer together over the past few years, including the passing of Wes's sweet dad (Johnny) in early 2016, and my beloved daddy's (Jimmy's) passing in March 2018. Understanding the depth of feeling and despair we both experienced along with our families, and remembering our dad's well-intentioned, highly respectable lives, we were reminded that we should live life to the fullest, count our blessings, and spend time loving and laughing with those who are important to us. Wes and I are so grateful that we were there to support each other and our families during these times of sorrow. We love and miss our fathers so much but have tried to proceed with our lives in a manner that would make them happy and proud. We hope they would be pleased with our relationship and will be with us in spirit as we make plans to move forward together.

For my birthday this past December, Wes gave me an unexpected surprise gift to Disney World for the week after Christmas through New Year's Day! We had recently mentioned going to Disney again in the near future, as neither of us had visited there in many years and we wanted to experience it together at some point. We were both so excited about going, and luckily Wes had planned out the trip in excruciating detail, including "fast pass" reservations for the typically crowded rides/ shows...so there was nothing for me to do except pack and go! Little did I know that Wes had other surprises up his sleeve (or in his backpack!) for this trip! :-)

Once we arrived in Orlando, Wes and I visited several Disney parks during our stay, including Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom. On the Epcot day, Wes suggested we buy some of the sequin Minnie Mouse ears for me to wear in the park. I thought it was interesting that he really wanted me to get those to wear for the day, but I didn't question it...we bought them and and I fully immersed myself in the Disney spirit!

Wes had also made a dinner reservation at the French restaurant in "France" in the World Showcase section of Epcot. I noticed that Wes seemed ultra concerned with ensuring we would arrive a little early for that reservation. Now, most people who know me well are very aware that I'm typically late/ "punctually challenged"...(and of course that can be irritating to Wes and others, so I've really been working on it!). That particular day we had been doing fairly well with our time, but Wes was definitely rushing me through Germany, Morocco and Italy to make it over to France in time for dinner. I think he was pretty aggravated when I wanted to stop at a kiosk in Italy for a beverage and hop back to Germany for a photo opp (to embrace my 43% German roots...), but I didn't understand what the big deal was about being a bit early for France!!

After we arrived in France (5 minutes early), it was soon to be clarified! We stopped for a photo at the pretty fountain in front of the French restaurant and "Eiffel Tower" before we headed into the restaurant for our reservation. I thought it was interesting that Wes was keen to get the picture there with the Disney photographer this time...usually it's me always wanting the pictures! I also thought it was odd that Wes was being chatty with the photographer lady as he put down his backpack before going to pose with me. What in the world could he be saying to her?!? Once Wes finished his little chat with the photographer, we proceeded to strike a standard pose in front of the fountain - one arm around each other and one hand on hip for me! :-) Then the photographer said to us, "Ok - now do your favorite pose to show that you really love each other!" "Favorite pose?" I thought..."I don't know what my favorite pose is besides the one I just did!!" While I was standing there pondering over my possible favorite pose, I turned around to find...to my complete surprise...Wes down on one knee with a ring box facing me! :-) As my jaw dropped in shock (also captured in a photo!), Wes then quickly said with his sweet big smile, "Will you marry me?" Yaaay!!!

Although I knew this was likely coming soon, I was totally surprised and shocked at the timing and location of Wes's proposal. With my being somewhat OCD, I would have NEVER thought Wes would carry a ring like that in his backpack into a Disney Park!! All I could think about initially - aside from the shock of seeing him on one knee and a ring glaring at me - was, what if his backpack (with ring) had flung out of the seat in the Soarin' motion ride or overboard off the side of the gondola boat in Mexico about an hour ago?!?! I guess in the process of analyzing all of these potential exception cases, I failed to reply to Wes immediately. I also noticed the ring box was upside down and briefly turned it around - hee hee! Wes was so precious and did it all so quickly...and I think I just froze for a moment trying to process it all! At that point people around the fountain there caught on to what was going on and started clapping for us! It was such an endearing scene! Given I hadn't replied yet, Wes asked me to marry him again! :-) I then snapped myself back into the moment and was overcome with joy...and then of course replied with an astounding "Yesssss!!!"

We then put the pretty ring on and posed for several other pictures with the photographer. It worked out so well to have the Disney photographer right there to capture the moment! Wes told me later at dinner that he had researched best areas to propose in Disney and had picked that area there in "France" based on info online regarding the nice scenery and photographer located there. He also said he always thought you had to have a photographer present when you get engaged to capture it all! How sweet!!! What a precious gem I've found in Mr. Jones! :-)

Once we finished our photo session with the photographer at the fountain, Wes and I proceeded into the French restaurant for our romantic engagement dinner. Now I knew why he was so stressed about getting there in time - and earlier for the photos! I also realized he wanted me to have the mouse ears on for our engagement pics. The hostess cried when we told her what had happened...I think she was more emotional than we were! The staff at the restaurant went out of their way to help us celebrate our engagement with many congratulations, pictures, and special desserts. It was a delicious celebratory meal, and we savored every minute of it!

Later that evening, we got a few more nighttime fountain pics and then shared the news with our families before heading to a holiday concert in the amphitheater there in Epcot. Luckily we had a rest day at the resort the following day so that we had some down time to share the news with more family/ friends. What an incredible and joyful evening...and I'm so glad it was unexpected to me so that I had no way to orchestrate any of it. :-)

Needless to say, I was ecstatic and over the moon all evening and for the rest of the trip! I've loved Wes for several years and had dreamed of that moment with him for about that long as well! I was and still am so honored and happy to be Wes's soon-to-be wife. I can't wait to be officially part of the Jones family!!

Although this is the final chapter for the story of Wes & Dawn's journey, it is in fact the start of a brand new chapter for the new beginning we are about to experience together as husband and wife.

There is not much left to write about our history and what led us to this point of engagement, but I do want to say that I wholeheartedly believe God brought Wes and me together, and that our marriage is the sweet destination that was intended for us. We've both had some challenged relationships in the past, and I have definitely learned and grown from previous mistakes in hopes that I'm now a wiser, more mature lady as a result (and not just mature by number of years!).

Though we've all been through tough times, and have not always made the best decisions regarding relationships, I can definitely say that God brings you back on course and can "bless the broken road" to lead you to the one made perfectly for you. When you truly love someone as I believe Wes and I love each other, and you try to conduct your life in a loving and respectful manner in accordance with your faith, nothing ultimately can keep you apart!

Wes and I want to thank you all for your love and support throughout our journey and for having faith in our relationship. I'm so elated to be the future Mrs. Wesley Jones, and I can't wait to celebrate our wedding day with you all...our dearest friends and family members! We look forward to our future together and many happy days ahead with each of you.

Love, Dawn & Wes

"...I have found the one whom my soul loves..." - Song of Solomon 3:4