Chances are, many of you have heard the “long story short” version of how we met. You know… the story of how we went to high school together and reconnected after college. While we technically attended Albemarle High School together for one year, we had zero hallway interactions as Paul was a “too cool for school” senior and I was a braces clad freshman. In reality, our first meeting was scheduled for October 16, 2016 at Charlottesville hotspot, and my favorite fall destination: Carter Mountain Orchard. Unfortunately, every other citizen of Charlottesville was also hankering for apple cider donuts and the mountain hit capacity. Paul suggested a change of plans and headed to Riverview Park with a wine filled cooler. In the spirit of presenting our true selves to one another from the get-go, I was at least 15 minutes late and Paul arrived with 2 broken wrists. We spent several hours in conversation by the river while enjoying the classiest airplane bottles of wine. Our connection was instantaneous and, as cheesy as it is, it felt like we had known each other forever. Although I don’t often admit this, I was fairly certain Paul was “the one” the second I removed my sunglasses and he exclaimed, “Oh my gosh, your eyes!” We committed the ultimate dating faux pas and agreed to see each other the following night. Paul cooked a delicious homemade meal and did not overcook the shrimp (thanks, Randy!). We continued to make plans with one another a few times a week until Paul eventually performed a choreographed dance to *NSYNC’s “Girlfriend” and officially asked me to be his girlfriend. How could I say no to that?!

Fast forward three and half years to June 12, 2020 when Paul suggested (not so slyly) that we visit the very spot we first met at Riverview Park. Once again, we found ourselves deep in conversation (sorry, Paul!) while indulging in the classiest airplane bottles of wine. Eventually I stopped babbling and Paul finally got down on one knee to ask the question I had been dying to hear. Although there was no choreographed dance this time, it was a very easy “YES!”

We are so excited to celebrate five years of knowing each other and the beginning of our forever with all of you on October 16th!