It all started with a Super Like.

I came across Destiney on Tinder and instantly knew—this is the one. I told myself right then that she was the only girl I’d seriously want to be in a relationship with. When you know, you know, right?

At first, we didn’t talk a ton—mostly little moments when she’d post sunsets on her Snapchat story, and I’d message something like, “Almost as gorgeous as you.” (Smooth, I know.)

Destiney lived in Winter Haven, about an hour and a half away, so it took a little time to actually meet up. When we finally did, I drove out in my Corvette to pick her up. As she got in, she hit her vape (back when that was still our thing), and I casually stuck my hand out, asking for a hit. Instead, she placed her hand in mine. I wasn’t expecting that and said, “Oh—I meant the vape… but I’ll definitely hold your hand too!” We both laughed and yeah, it was adorably awkward—but in the best way.

For our first date, we kept it simple. We wandered around stores and plazas, just talking and window shopping. Later, we grabbed dinner at Chili’s—one of Destiney’s favorites. (She still gets the same triple dipper every time—minus the Jack and Coke!)

When the night came, we weren’t ready for it to end. We found a nearby lake—pretty sure it was called Swan Lake—and decided to keep chatting there. What we didn’t know was that the swans (and their creepy bird friends) were territorial. Like… chase-you-back-to-your-car territorial. So, we ran for it, laughing the whole way.

After that night, we talked more and saw each other whenever we could. Not long after, during a little Halloween party at her family’s place, we made it official—and the rest is history.

A couple years later, I planned to propose at Enchanted, a beautiful Christmas light maze. Only one problem: the ring in my pocket kept setting off the security detector on the way in. Every time I tried to walk through, it beeped. Somehow, I managed to get through without being noticed and without ruining the surprise.

Ironically, Destiney—who always wants pictures at places like that—didn’t want to stop for any this time. But when we got to the massive Christmas tree in the center, I asked if we could take just one. I found someone nearby and asked them to record it instead.

Right there in front of the tree, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me.

And thankfully… she said yes. Now we're here, planning the biggest day of our lives & I'm so excited for everything to come.

Z&D

Wedding Day