“We met online and talked for over half a year before meeting for the first time on December 20th, 2014 (7 years together!). We met downtown and Raidar had to parallel park my car for me lol. We had dinner then went to a paint and cocktail class. It became a small anniversary tradition for us to paint together each year. We kissed for the first time beneath the sparkling Christmas lights of the city. Felt very magical!

Raidar proposed at a park with a lake near where I grew up. However he wanted it to be a surprise so he tried to give me vague directions to a nearby “restaurant” he wanted to go to. I was driving and knew the neighborhood like the back of my hand so I was very confused. We even ended up circling the whole area before we made it to the park. I didn’t realize what was happening until I saw a picnic set up near the lake. I was very surprised! Of course I said yes and couldn’t stop saying “wow” for the rest of the evening. We had Olive Garden (one of our fave date spots) and wine, and enjoyed the beautiful weather and evening sun until some wasps wanted to enjoy our meal too. Afterwards, since we were in my old neighborhood, we drove to my parents house to share the news. Raidar’s parents already knew as they helped him set up the scene and take photos.”