I guess our story actually started before we met. Michelle and I lived in baltimore at the same time and trained at the illustrious Johns Hopkins together but never met. She plugged out into the blue to North Carolina and I came home to the same place. We started working at the not-so-illustrious Wake Forest Medical Center ("the Baptist") and met on the unit. It's hard to describe how much weight or emotion an enamored guy can place on a single look or gesture, but that's what happened to me at work. I won't describe it because I can't in any way that would make sense and it's a memory just for me, anyway. But I was hooked after that little second at work in a patient's room with other people standing by, all unawares of what eventuality that little second would precipitate. For the next few months, I very carefully puppy sat, bought panera breakfast, and schmoozed my way into her heart. Where I will remain.

We all know I'm a little oblivious. The first distinct memory I have of Matt was not long after moving to North Carolina. I needed his help in a patient room, and for the life of me I could not remember his name. On the computer it said Kenneth and that sounded weird and wrong... so I just walked behind him for a little while until he realized I was there and then asked for his help. The puppy sitting and Panera souffle's were amazing, but it was Matt's kind soul, incredible intelligence and straight goofiness that got me. How can I be with someone who doesn't get my weirdness? He gets it. Matt goes above and beyond what I could ever expect or dream of from a partner, to make me happy or put a smile on my face every single day. He makes efforts to include my friends and family, which puts me over the moon. There is no better way to my heart. He has it. I couldn't be more excited to start this next chapter of our lives with all of you there to celebrate with us!

Let's start with Matt telling me he wants to surprise me the weekend of May 15th.

We started driving. I remember being so confident that I knew where we were going. Hello, Bethany Beach - I basically grew up there. There is only one place to stay, Sea Colony, and I was so sure of myself. Matt drives around and pulled into some beach front homes and all I could say is that a beach house is excessive for the two of us to stay over just one weekend. (Insert big eyes.) Matt says he wants to get on the beach before the sun sets because we had to leave late from Philadelphia after a long week of a new job for me. Matt surprises me all the time and asks me to do random trips or goofy things, so sure! (Even bigger eyes.) We run onto the beach and into the sun because its a little chilly. That is not quite enough, he wants to walk a little further, so I complied. Then I noticed how flushed he was and his heart was racing, and I guess being a nurse, all I could say was you need to calm down your heart is beating so hard!! (Nope. Still had no clue.) I am hugging him and telling him it is alright, and please try to slow his heart down. (Nope. I don't know how I hadn't figured it out.)

Moment of Silence. Matt smiles.

"I knew when we first met you were special. I love you so much."

"Matt, I love you too, you have to calm down your heart is pounding!"

"You mean the world to me, and I have a question to ask you." He lowers down onto one knee. "Michelle Crystal Mooney ... [I can't remember what he said next]"

I am now waving my hands, "What are you doing? What are you doing! What are you doing!"

"Will you marry me?" He hands me a small wooden box, with two love birds on a branch staring into the sunset.

"Oh my gosh, [laughing/crying] YES!"

"Put on the ring!" "You are supposed to do it!" "No you are, I don't know put it on!"

Hugging, laughing, kiss.

Matt starts, shaking a little "I know you wanted your friends to be here, but I really wanted to share this moment with just us... So I had your friends wait in the house." Cue pregnant Julie screaming at the exact perfect moment, running onto the beach - followed by Lindsey, Brenda, Colin, Ian and Dave.

He knows me so well. I broke down crying.

I am so happy. He is my one. Our life together will start with our closest friends and family sharing this moment in a place I have always dreamed of being. Costa Rica. Thank you so much to my parents for inviting Matt into our family by saying Yes! when he asked their permission to marry me.

We love you all and can't wait to share in our joy as we exchange vows and commit to a happy, weird, adventurous life together. <3