We went to the same university (Christopher Newport, class of '14 and '16 - go Captains!). Both of us had mutual friends and ran in similar circles, but ended up not connecting until after graduating. 

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Our first date was a month or so later (October 14, 2016 - which we celebrate to this day). We got beer and cheesesteaks and neither of us could stop smiling. Our conversations were so effortless and we discovered immediately that we had so many of the same ideals, values, and interests.

 

We're happy to report we have not stopped smiling since. And every year on October 14 we go get cheesesteaks at the same restaurant, share the same table, and are our happiest selves just being in each others' company. 

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Three years into our relationship - and one pet, four houses, tons of trips and memories later - we knew we wanted to get married. That didn't mean it wasn't still the BIGGEST surprise when Laney turned a couple's photoshoot into an engagement shoot. 

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Laney: I reached out to a wonderful queer photographer, Kelly Prizel, after Cait had expressed interest in us getting some photos done together. I thought it would be a perfect Christmas gift! Fast-forward to that perfect (though very windy) April day. We were with Kelly on the rooftop at a restaurant at the Wharf. Cait and I were enjoying beers, laughs, and having our photos taken. Kelly did the best job helping us feel relaxed.

Once the ring was in my hand and I was down on one knee, everything else sort of turns to a blur! She said YES to love and life and sharing beer forever. I was so excited! 

We finished our photo shoot with Kelly, full of joy and love. Those first moments engaged that we got to spend together were so special. But, immediately after I knew that Caitlin would want to celebrate with our people. I had arranged for our closest friends and family to meet and celebrate at The Board Room in Arlington. Our people are so special and important to us. After this happy moment that we shared, I knew she would want to celebrate with the people we love and have championed our relationship. It was the best night and I am so thankful for her YES and for the love we share! 

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Right after our first date we started spending a lot of time together. We were intentional about wanting to take time dating, simultaneously building a really strong friendship and love. 

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One of our best, early dates was also so perfectly us. It was right before the 2016 election and we spent the day canvassing for Hillary Clinton in Virginia, talking to voters, and championing a leader we both believed in. Later that same day we happened upon a post that a band we both LOVE was performing nearby that night. We got incredibly lucky and found someone selling their two seats at the last minute. Within the hour we had a whole new, fun night planned.

 

That was an early sign of what was to come - we were game for almost anything together, always looking for adventure, quality time, and some civic responsibility.

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Caitlin: I always planned on giving Laney an engagement ring, and I knew immediately after we got engaged that I a) needed to jump on that and b) wanted to give her as special of a moment as the one I had. Ring in hand, I landed on a plan to surprise her with a weekday date of breakfast in bed and a brewery with our closest friends.

 

The day of I had taken off work but told Laney I needed to go to the office early. My game plan was to make Laney think I was gone for the day, then suddenly appear with breakfast in bed - her ring on the tray between flowers and cinnamon rolls.

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Then, uncharacteristically and unfortunately, Laney woke up and was WIDE awake while I was trying to sneak out. She found it weird (and gross) that I was "going to work" without showering. Time was of the essence, but I felt like I had to play along and get fully ready for work. With her wide awake, I ended up walking out the front door and "leaving" to keep up the charade. Thankfully I snuck right back in, she went back to bed, and I was finally able to start breakfast. 

 

I was paranoid Laney would come down any minute. Luckily, it was quiet and I was able to finish and creep back upstairs undetected. I was nervous but ready. BUT found her fast asleep again. The first time I tried to wake her up, saying, "I have something for you....you'll want to see this" she was like "Mmm, no." 

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I eventually got her to wake back up, and it was perfect. The minor hiccups along the way only made it better and one of my favorite stories to tell. 

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