We have known each other since Middle School, but it wasn't until French class and marching band in High School that we became close friends.

In April, we planned a quick day trip to downtown Dahlonega, Georgia, one of our favorite getaways to relax away from the big city. After arriving, we spent time catching up with familiar faces at stores we love to visit. While enjoying some of our favorite muscadine wine, we realized we were running short of time to make it to our next stop: Amicalola Falls State Park.

I was happy to stay longer and sip on my wine, even if it meant we would miss out on the falls, but Mitchell insisted we hurry and get there before the park closed! Little did I know what the big hurry was all about!

The next thirty minutes were an adrenaline rush: driving through winding roads, finding the right place to park, and climbing a flight of 200 stairs to the bridge where we met the waterfall and a breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We caught our breath for a bit to take in the scenery and soak in the cool waterfall mist.

Suddenly, Mitchell leaned into my ear and mentioned he would step away and be right back. Still facing the mountain skyline, I turned around seconds after he left and felt my heart pounding out of my chest when I found him kneeling on one knee, saying, "Thank you for climbing this mountain with me. Will you continue to climb this mountain of life with me and marry me?"

We knew this was a special spot to us. It had been several years since we last visited it. Standing back on the waterfall bridge, we reflected on how much our relationship has grown and evolved throughout our lifetime together and how, from this day on, we would continue to love each other for the rest of our lives.

We have been making each other laugh since the day we became friends, so we love enjoying each other's humor as much as we can. We enjoy going for walks in our neighborhood, experiencing the best food and music we can find in the city, and dancing around our kitchen while playing with "the boys" (our fur babies).