On January 26th, 2014, after about 2 months of dating, I asked you to be my girlfriend. Just a few days into our new relationship you let me know that long before I chose you, you had already chosen me. I created this website to be a digital scrapbook our first year together as a couple.
Why I Kept This a Secret
This website is going to be my gift to you on our one-year anniversary (or at least one of them). I knew it would mean the world to you to find out that for the entire first year we were together, I had been writing down all the details of our experiences together and documenting how we grew closer together as a couple.
How We Met and Started Dating
The story is set in Rochester, NY during one of the coldest winters on record. We met at church. It was a normal Sunday like any other until I saw you and had to reassure myself that you weren’t an angel. Apparently we had a mutual best friend named Sarah who had invited you to our mutual home church, The Father’s House. I was attracted to you immediately.
It was not uncommon for a group of friends to go out for lunch after service and that Sunday was no exception. Everyone headed to a diner nearby and of course, I made sure we sat directly across from one another at the end of the table. We laughed at each other’s silly jokes as we started to realize the underlying connection and attraction we were sharing. Soon after, lunch ended and we went our separate ways. I wasn’t sure if or when I’d ever see you again, but I was glad I did.
It wasn’t until about a month later that I got your phone number. I’ll never forget the moment I realized I liked you either. In the midst of my socializing at a large Thanksgiving event, I noticed that you were sitting alone and didn’t really know anyone yet. I wasn’t about to pass up a golden opportunity like that.
We talked for a little while, asked the typical “get to know you” questions, and after a nice conversation I decided to continue socializing with my other friends. I kept a close eye on you as I did though, because I wanted to make sure you didn’t leave before I could get those digits (you later informed me that you weren’t going to leave without giving them to me either). I entered your name in my phone and asked you to fill in the contact information. You did, and we started talking immediately.
We went on 2 dates, the first of which was at your favorite coffee shop, Starry Nights Cafe. Your eyes were captivating. I think I just stared at you for most of the night, not saying a word, but yet saying so much. I also remember wishing I had kissed you after walking you to your car, but first date kisses can be messy and misunderstood, so I waited.
Our second date was even more amazing. We met at Starry Nights again and then went to a local pool hall, one of my favorite places and things to do. I won’t sugarcoat it, you were terrible. But, amidst your constant shenanigans I did a lot of laughing and we had a great time. Later, we headed over to a local bar called Murphey’s Law. We both ordered drinks and sat by the fireplace. There was no one else around and we had another delightful conversation. You really opened up to me. Upon getting in the car, you asked me to kiss you. I guess you couldn’t resist anymore. It was beautiful, and everything a first kiss should be. I drove you back to your car and we kissed again in the parking lot, for a long time.
We went on several more dates over the span of a several weeks. One night, you chose the venue, a local wood-fire pizza joint called Napa’s. I ordered pizza and you got salad. We both shared an entire bottle of wine. After arriving back at my apartment slightly tipsy, we talked on the couch for a while. Somewhere in that conversation, in the middle of some kissing, I confidently asked you to be my girlfriend. You said yes, and the journey began.