How We Met
We met for the first time when we were 15, and funnily enough were each others first “boyfriend/girlfriend”. We dated for one week, held hands maybe once or twice, then broke up over AOL instant messenger… It was pretty awkward to say the least! We were just a little too young for a relationship, I suppose.
Perfectly content to never see each other again after that experience, we didn’t bump into each other for another 10 years. We both happened to be moving home from college right around the same time and, little did I know, my roommate and him were becoming fast friends. My roommate invited him to my birthday party and as soon as he showed up we both locked eyes and realized that we had in fact dated for one week 10 years ago. I think it’s safe to say we were both fairly mortified! But we decided to grab a beer to break the ice and ended up chatting for a long time, catching up with each other.
After a few months of getting to know each other again, I worked up the nerve to ask him out. He took me to a Korean BBQ joint and we had so much fun. I knew it was the real deal in that moment. That was a little over 4 years ago! We have created so many amazing memories together since then, and I look forward to making many more.
How They Asked
I knew I wanted to propose on our big road trip to the Grand Tetons/Yellowstone but wasn’t exactly sure how or when I would do it. I did know however that we would be completely out of service for most if not all of the trip so I invited Caitlin’s best friend, Michelle, to meet us in Yellowstone for that leg of the trip. On the morning of our last day in the Tetons, I woke up knowing that today would be the day. I packed up the car way quicker than I would normally, but thankfully Caitlin didn’t pick up on the nervous energy coming off of me. We hopped in the car and started driving toward Yellowstone. My head was on a swivel, keeping my eyes peeled for the perfect spot. As we came out of a thicket of trees, we came up to a turnout with an absolute breathtaking view of the tallest group of mountains in the Grand Teton Range, Cathedral Group Turnout. I quickly pulled over, muttering something about wanting to take one last photo for Caitlin’s parents. As Caitlin walked over to the information board, I could barely contain myself as I was overcome with nerves. I took a side path off the regular trail out about 30 yards away from any potential onlookers. I set up the tripod and snapped a couple test photos with the remote, squaring Caitlin up against the mountains. Once I was satisfied, I clicked the record video button and started getting into position. At this point, I was so nervous I kept fidgeting with the ring box in my pocket. I even almost completely fumbled it while Caitlin glanced over at me. I took the first opportunity when she turned around as I got down on one knee. Between being in the biggest moment of my adult life and the almost fantasy like scenery around us, I was at a complete loss for words. As I finally started to get some words out, Caitlin realized what was happening with her now famous, “Oh s***”. I opened the ring box and paused, to which she replied, “so are you going to say it!?”. I was so dumb struck I completely forgot what hand I was supposed to put the ring on. I’m still not sure what came first, her saying yes or me putting the ring on her finger. All I know is that was one of the most overwhelming moments of happiness in my adult life.
