What started as a summer fling quickly turned into something much more lasting. This is the story of Nate and Donae.

Although Nate and Donae both attended Essex High School, their paths never crossed. But years later, fate had other plans. When Donae came across Nate's profile on Bumble, it felt like a serendipitous moment. They both shared the same hometown roots, and his smile was enough to spark her interest. After a right swipe, they had no idea they were about to start something that would change their lives.

Their first date was a simple sunset picnic at Charlotte Beach, just five minutes from Donae's dad’s house. The evening was filled with nerves, laughter, and the kind of quiet connection that made them both hopeful for what was to come.

There were more dates to come—like the evening kayak ride on Lake Champlain and a trip to the drive-in movies. Nate, nervous about borrowing his mom's car, kept the windows up to avoid getting it dirty, which created a fog so thick that they couldn’t even see the screen at the drive-in. They spent the entire movie talking and laughing, proving that sometimes the best moments come when things don’t go as planned.

But as summer wound down, so did their time together. Before Donae returned to Austin to finish her degree, they shared a final day at Shelburne Farms. With so many unsaid words between them, they both quietly hoped that somehow, despite the distance, they’d stay in touch.

And stay in touch they did. The 1,700 miles between them didn’t stop their bond from growing stronger. The early days of long-distance were filled with late-night phone calls, texts, and video chats. They found small ways to stay connected—watching the same movies, reading the same books, and even trying to cook the same meals. These shared moments kept their connection alive, even when the miles between them seemed impossible.

Then, just five months into their long-distance journey, life threw them a curveball. Donae suffered a heart attack. In the hospital, Nate stayed by her side, offering support and love through one of the toughest times of her life. The experience was a wake-up call for both of them, reminding them of life’s fragility and the importance of being there for each other, no matter what. It brought them closer than they could’ve ever imagined.

Through job changes, long-distance struggles, and life’s unexpected challenges, they made it work. On their third anniversary, Nate had planned a quiet getaway to a Bed and Breakfast in New York. But when they missed the ferry, he took an unexpected detour, leading them to Charlotte Beach—where it all began. As they walked along the familiar shores, Nate knelt down, holding a ring and asking Donae to spend forever with him. In that moment, as the sun set behind them, their love story entered a new chapter.

From that evening forward, they didn’t just walk away engaged—they walked into the future, side by side, ready for whatever came next.