As many of you know, it all started with a sniff. During their first date, at a coffee shop on the shores of Lake Onondaga, Charley (dog) took one sniff of Dan and fell in love. It was later discovered by Kristen that he may have snuck bacon into his pocket before the date... Coffee led to a walk around the lake, which led to a local brewery, and ended with them browsing for books at Barnes & Noble nearly 8 hours later. The longest and best date either of them had ever had.

Unfortunately, Dan was told he would deploy a short 3 months later for the desert of Kuwait. Those first months were packed with dates where Dan and Kristen bonded over exploring the outdoors and home improvement. They continued to communicate daily while Dan was deployed for over 4 months and after returning, Kristen helped him transition to his new post at Fort Benning. Their blossoming relationship had survived the stresses of deployment! Yay!

Dan and Kristen continued their long distance relationship as Dan transitioned to his new assignment in Georgia, where he purchased a house with Kristen in mind. A large backyard for Charley and a beautiful kitchen to make memories in together. She soon followed him and they made that house their home. With friends and family coming to visit they grew together.

On a warm summer evening, Dan knelt down on one knee and told Kristen how much she meant to him. He then proposed with a large, magnificent, strawberry flavored ring pop... It was equal parts romantic and ridiculous, which fit Dan and Kristen perfectly. Don't worry, real rings were purchased soon after; made of metal and less likely to melt in the Georgia sun.

Their lives had included many big moves in a short period of time, but it was in the small, quiet moments that they realized life was better together. They became co-conspirators, road trip buddies, festival goers, dog co-parents, and true partners.

They now want you to be a part of their story as they plan a wedding to thank the people that helped bring them to this point in their lives. Whatever comes next, they are so grateful for the here and now where everyone can be together and celebrate.