**Warning - novel written below, but only because Rob's thoughtfulness deserves it**

With the support of their families, Rob decided in 2023 that he was ready to pop THE question. He secretly planned an elaborate engagement weekend right under Julia's nose. In early December 2023, Rob flew Julia to Asheville, NC, under the guise of an "early siblings Christmas." They settled into Rob's family cabin in Chimney Rock, NC, on Thursday night. The next morning, they had brunch at The Omni Grove Park Inn, where Julia was sipping on her mimosa, not having the slightest idea of what was to come in a few short hours.

A few minutes after they got back to the cabin, Rob texted Julia to come out back. As she opened the back porch screen door, she saw a sea of red rose petals flowing from the back porch all the way down to the river. There, Rob and Ranger stood together next to a beautiful red loveseat covered in roses with candles. Already overwhelmed with emotions, she started to make her way down to her favorite boys.

At the start of the path, there was a sign instructing her to scan a QR code on her phone. The code led her to a song on Spotify called "Make it Happen", a song written about their love story by a talented freelance singer. It included mentions of Ranger, trips to Brazil and Rob's love for "Pepper" (aka Julia's nickname) and wanting to officially "Make it Happen".

She then followed the red rose petals down and saw Ranger wearing a bandana that said, "Will you marry my dad?" But before they got to that, Rob stated that he had a few things he wanted to say. He began by taking out a little bottle with a note in it, which Julia recognized instantly. Rob had given it to her in her stocking for Christmas 2019, but before he let Julia open it, he grabbed it back and told her he would give when the time was right. It was kept in Rob's safe since then, until December 2023, when the time was finally right. She opened the note to read, "Even though we have only been dating a few months, I know you are the one. Will you marry me?" Dated 12/25/2019.

Rob explained why he chose to propose at his family cabin - he wanted to one day tell their future kids that "mommy and daddy's love story started right here at the family cabin's river beach." A place that already holds so many cherished memories will now forever be one of the most special places in their future family's history. After sharing some final thoughts, Rob got down on one knee and asked THE big question. Julia, absolutely speechless from seeing Rob on one knee with her dream ring in his hands, took a moment to get words out, but it was the easiest "yes" she's answered to date.

After a few moments soaking it all in and taking some shots with the photographer, Rob told Julia the plans for the weekend—a party bus was coming to pick them up and take them to a winery where he had reserved the entire place for themselves for the night. He then asked, "But is it ok if they join us?" and pointed behind him. When Julia turned around, it felt like the wind was knocked out of her. There, standing on the bridge above the river, were all their closest friends and family, cheering and spraying champagne. To say it was the most magical, special moment of Julia's life would be an understatement.

They spent the whole weekend celebrating in Chimney Rock with their "village". It was the happiest days of their lives.

However, they're sure 12/8/23 will get bumped to second place come 4/26/25, when they get to celebrate with all of their favorite people!

Registry