It all began when I saw a like from "Raleigh, 30" on a dating app in January 2023. She was a cute teacher who liked Jesus, beer and the outdoors (the ultimate trifecta). When I got restless of her delayed responses on the dating app, I went straight for it and asked to grab drinks at Lynnwood Brewing. After a few dates, we realized we had many connections already including going to the same church. We went to the same service, sat in the same section and somehow hadn't met each other yet. She was everything I could wish for and I was ready to spend every second with her. So on Feb 14, we officially started dating (yes... I did the whole Valentines day thing, I cringe a little bit at it now).

As we dated, we realized more and more that we both enjoy similar things. We both liked being outside, going for hikes, playing sports, playing board games, going camping, grabbing a drink and lots more. We also both shared some favorite spots: Lynnwood Brewing, the NC Museum of Art and Umstead State Park. We spent the next year and half getting to know each other more and spending time with each other's family and friends. I also began to love Kate's dog, Piper more and more and maybe was starting to become a "dog person". The time spent together and growing connection between us all led up to Oct 12, 2024.

I thought I had done an incredible job keeping everything a complete secret...But she knew what was coming including most of the details. It was still an amazing day with beautiful fall weather (seriously zero clouds, mid 60s). We started with a walk in part of Umstead State Park, where we stopped by a small lake and I popped the question. She said yes of course! We finished the walk and headed over to the NC Museum of Art for a private picnic set up by a few of Kate's friends. Then later in the afternoon we celebrated with our families and some friends at Lynnwood Brewing, the location of our first date (and the location of our wedding welcome party!). It was a wonderful day that we'll never forget.

And now for a life spent together! I still can't believe I'm this blessed to have found the love of my life through a random dating app. Kate is all I've ever wanted and more. She is adventurous, incredibly kind and doesn't know a stranger. I'm super excited to marry Kate and spend the rest of my life with her. And I'm thrilled to spend the day celebrating with all of you!

Daniel and I matched on a dating app in January 2023. I had set a New Year's resolution to go on at least one date each month, and Daniel became my January date (and every month after that). While I wasn’t the quickest to respond to his early messages, Daniel’s persistence paid off, and we eventually agreed to meet for a beer at one of my favorite breweries, Lynnwood. It didn’t take long for us to discover that we shared similar interests, goals, and values. We even had some surprising connections, like both attending the same church.

One date quickly turned into seven, and before I knew it, Daniel asked me to be his girlfriend with a giant Valentine’s Day card. While I initially thought it was moving a bit fast, I agreed because I had already come to admire Daniel’s patience, sincerity, and his unwavering commitment to the people he loves.

As the months passed, we discovered our favorite spots in Raleigh and Clayton, took trips together, joined a new church, and introduced each other to our friends and families. He even invited me to a few NC State football games, so I bought a red shirt (though I’m still trying to get him into a light blue shirt – Go Heels!). My dog and I also began turning Daniel into a dog person, enjoying frequent walks at the Art Museum and Umstead Park. Through it all, we cherished the simple joys of everyday life and found adventure in each day.

Fast forward to October 2024, when we got engaged! While I figured out almost every detail of the proposal, Daniel planned the perfect day that included so many of my favorite things. He proposed during a hike around a lake in Umstead State Park, followed by a picnic at the Art Museum, and ended the day celebrating with friends and family at Lynnwood Brewery, where it all began.

Since getting engaged, it’s been so much fun planning our wedding and dreaming about the future we want to build together. I am beyond grateful that I met such a caring and selfless man in January 2023, and I fully intend to keep that 2023 New Year’s resolution alive as we continue to go on dates, create memories, and share adventures for the rest of our lives.