How did you and your partner meet?:
Charles spotted me at a bar on St. Patty's weekend of last year in Indianapolis. He asked me to take a picture of the group he was with on a disposable camera as a way to try and talk to me but he was too nervous in the moment to ask for my number. About an hour and a half later we both found ourselves at Shake Shack across the street with the separate groups we were out with and he knew this was his chance to shoot his shot! He picked the conversation up while we were waiting for our orders and then snagged my number as we were heading our separate ways. We texted trying to meet up that night but it didn't end up happening, I figured I wouldn't hear from him again. At about 10am the next morning I got a text from him asking me out the following week. We ended up seeing each other two days in a row after our first date and then again a few days later in the same week - after those first three dates I was already meeting his friends, we were planning for the future, and the rest is history!
Describe the moment you knew they were The One.:
Early on in us dating I went through something very difficult for me personally. Charles handled the situation with the utmost grace, compassion, and patience despite not knowing me for very long. I knew then that this was building into a forever kind of love to have someone unconditionally support me through. But I truly feel like jamming out in my car on date #2 with both of us knowing every single word to the song "Bedrock" was the ultimate green flag.
Can you share the details of the proposal? :
Charles faked a surprise birthday party leading into a private proposal on a downtown rooftop and then had a party bus planned where one after another five of my closest friends got on. It was absolute perfection.
How did you celebrate after the engagement?:
Party bus! We had reservations at a Mexican restaurant (my fav kind of food) and then danced the night away at a country bar downtown complete with bull riding for all. We had the absolute best night and I couldn't have been happier to celebrate with my besties since I don't live in the same state as any of them anymore. These friends flew in to Virginia from Oregon, Washington, California, and Georgia. Beyond special.
Do you have any advice or tips for others planning a proposal?:
Get as many trusted friends as possible in on it and gaslight the future fiancé over and over and over again until she truly has no idea when it's going to happen. Kidding! But seriously. I was completely shocked - best surprise ever.
Could you share your experience with selecting and purchasing your engagement ring from Point No Point Studio? :
I am a very non-traditional person in almost every aspect of my life. I have never gone down the "normal" road or done things in the order that society tells us we all "should". That said, a classic diamond or a large diamond just didn't feel like me! I knew when picking out a ring I wanted something really unique. I had been sending Charles some ideas with non-traditional stones and non-traditional shapes (sapphire, sunstone, pointy, triangles, etc.) and stumbled on the Salt & Pepper Diamond as an option. He really wanted to get me a diamond so this ended up being the perfect compromise. I had no idea what he picked out prior to the proposal, though, and I have to say he absolutely nailed it. Everyone who sees it says that it is "so YOU". Yet another confirmation that he is The One.
What was the most memorable part of your wedding?:
Stay tuned for January of next year!
