We actually met at the theater, though I walked right past Darrin without saying anything. A week later our friend Kaite messaged me about a guy who was interested, and I agreed to meet him. On Wednesday, July 12, 2023—while I was traveling with Kaite and her then-fiancé for their wedding—I made the first move and added Darrin on Facebook. It took him the whole day to accept, but once he did we started messaging and getting to know each other. A week later we finally met in person. That first night he offered me a ride home; I said Kaite was taking me, so we planned coffee instead. He offered a ride again and I declined, but I did say yes when we went to the District for our first official date. On August 4, 2023, Darrin asked me to be his girlfriend—and the rest is our story. We were together a year when we took a trip the summer of 2024 that felt like it sealed the deal. Everything clicked—laughing over small things, exploring new places, and realizing how effortlessly we fit together. By Christmas that year, I suspected something was up from the way he was walking, but I had no idea. On Christmas Eve we went to the downtown tree—right across from where we had our first date—and right there he got down on one knee. I had no clue until that moment; it was perfect and completely us. We’re so excited to celebrate with you in Norfolk on October 17, 2026, and can’t wait to make more memories together with our family and friends. And I am sure that if you ask us, we will share even more about our story so make sure you bring the popcorn!