As with most weddings, there is usually that one who wants all the credit for the love match; and this case is no different. Full disclosure-it is not I; but I get the privilege of telling you, and I think that trumps matchmaker... but as I place pen to paper (oh wait, it's 2026! who am I kidding) finger tips to keyboard, this story did indeed begin with a mutual friend.

This is the 21st century, so let's give credit where credit is due! The matchmaker forced a friend request on Facebook and then encouraged the boy to message the girl. He eventually thought about it long enough to reach out at some point. Apparently, this friend thought that Margie and Alex would make a dynamic duo...although it is amazing that two, somewhat shy procrastinators ever found the time and space to make this happen, but here we are! looking to celebrate this cutesy couple come September!

As is typical of many blind dates this one almost didn't happen! Margie, being the slightly old-fashioned romantic (don't tell her I said that) expected more than an occasional text; and I suppose Alex, being the typical guy that he is, considered an occasional text to be a relationship...but I digress. Suffice it to say, this was a slow burn that almost didn't make it. There may even have been a couple of months of alleged ghosting before these two made it out of the gate...or out of the dugout, actually, as eventually Alex was able to convince Margie to attend a TinCaps baseball game! (I'm sure if this first date had been an Oilers hockey game he would have found his way to Margie's heart much much faster...) but, as it was, Margie eventually made time for him between all her training activities to go. The date ended with Alex pushing Margie to run the bases with the kids as she apparently would have "fit" right in! 🙂 Personally, I think the fact that Alex came to the door to pick her up and, later, waited until she was safely inside before leaving quickened the embers in this firefighter's heart (see!? didn't I tell you? old-fashioned romantic...)

And so after a slow start, this friendship started to blossom fueled by ice cream at Lucy's and walks around Pine Knob. Enter now the true loves of both Alex and Margie...ice cream and Zoey! Little did Alex realize that he would never be the sole priority in Margie's life, but, instead, would have to make room for a sweet, attention-seeking dog named Zoey aka Margie's bestest little sidekick. Margie insisted on the company of Zoey anywhere and everywhere-so Alex learned to adjust and quickly became Zoey's preferred companion (much to Margie's disdain). Margie has also learned that adding ice cream to any and all suggestions usually gets her what she wants!

Time flew by with ice cream dates, hiking, a renewed love of skiing and Oilers hockey games (Alex finally got with the program)! These two young people have squeezed a lot of activities in between Margie's lack of sleep and Alex's land surveys. At some point, he must have decided Margie was a safe bet and planned a gorgeous sunset proposal in the mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. True to his gallant form, Alex talked with her dad (gaining extra brownie points there), bought a ring and planned his route. Unfortunately for him, things did not go so smoothly after that. The unexpected crowds present made them late to the top and ruined Alex's special moment. So no proposal that evening-Alex was now left with Plan B, but since he failed to have a plan B...well friends-keep reading!

How to propose to Margie? and where? That was now the question.

The next morning, insisting on their morning walk, Alex was frantically trying to find a beautiful spot; while the ever-practical Margie (unaware of the crisis flooding the mind of Alex) was confused about why they couldn't just take their normal route! Alas! That illusive perfect spot did not get found. Disappointed, but not yet daunted, Alex returned to the cabin. The bags are packed, the truck is loaded, and Margie, in her "trip" clothes, is patiently waiting for Alex to finish up in the cabin and take the wheel for home. But Alex was not coming!!

Not sure exactly what was going on in the mind of that first responder who was waiting (not so patiently) for the return of her beloved...but when Alex eventually texted her and requested her return to the cabin, she was said to have wondered if he ran out of toilet paper?!! Thankfully, Alex was not unresponsive or stuck somewhere...and well let's let Margie tell this part of the story in her own words.

"What happened? Are you ok? (there's that first responder kicking in now!) she asked. "He just nodded and pulled me into a hug. The speech was simple and sweet. He was shaking when he got down on one knee and asked, Will you marry me? and I might have cried a little when I told him yes."

And there we have it folks...on the balcony of a cabin in the mountains of Tennessee, Alex finally found his Plan B and won the heart of the girl. Personally, I feel that heart was already won when he sat outside for the greater part of a crisp, fall night wrapped in a blanket with a bowl of dog food and water waiting for the return of his girl's precious little furry friend who had gotten lost. (I mean, that sealed it for me and don't I count?) Thankfully, that story had a happy ending and don't be surprised if little Miss Zoey herself has her time at this happy event!

With much anticipation,

Storyteller