He picked me up at my parent’s house. I was home from college for the weekend + he wanted to meet my parents before he took me out on our first official date. Nothing like being 22 + getting picked up for your first date at your parent’s place! But in all sincerity, it was really quite perfect.

It was the day of my little sister’s junior prom, so the house was chaotic as the girls were getting ready to leave. Out the door they went + I had a minute to breath … what was I going to wear?!? I choose a black dress (naturally) + cardigan since it was only April + still chilly outside. He pulled into the driveway + got out of the car with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. “We’re going to prom, too,” he said. Getting moments of life back that we never got to experience together.

He came inside + met my parents with both nerves + grace. They loved him from the minute they met him. Though very different than my dad, I will never forget how much this man instantly fell in love with, + respected, Caleb. We took our own prom photos in front of the fire place + off we went (forgive the iPhoto editing + raccoon eyes)!

He did all the research. We went to a quaint + romantic Irish pub in my hometown. We were both so nervous. We had been friends for almost two years prior to this date, why were we so nervous?! We talked + share a delicious meal. As the waiter brought the check, he said to me, “Are you ready for the dance?”

He then drove me to a park in the center of town that’s on a lake with a large wooden pier extending out to the middle. How did he know where to go? We walked out to the end + underneath the stars, we danced to a playlist of my favorite songs he had saved on his phone. He thought of everything. He wanted me to feel so special. 

When it was time for the Grand March of my sister’s “real” prom, we headed to the high school to watch her walk out in her stunning royal blue gown. He made sure we made it in time to see her with my parents, + I couldn’t help but notice how much he cared. 

Some may think it’s all so cheesy, but me? I’m a sappy romantic.

The best prom. The last first date. The beginning of forever with him.