Jeremy decided to write our "love" story, and Addison wrote the proposal story :)

Meeting Addison in November 2015, at such a particular time in both our lives and during the small window of opportunity available to us, was by far the strangest series of coincidences I have ever experienced.

Prior to meeting, I can only imagine Addison as a carefree 25 year old, living the American dream. I think she would have laughed off any idea of falling for a foreigner.

Far away in South Africa, I had recently changed jobs. On my first day in my new career, I was informed that I had to go to America later that month to run a project. It was my first trip to the US, so I was looking forward to it. After a hard week's work in Denver, my colleagues and I decided to go out and explore the night life.

While en route to a recommended bar, we decided to stop for dinner and got slightly lost. As we were trying to find the bar, we stumbled upon a lively place called Beta. Looking back, I never would have imagined I would meet the love of my life in an American club called Beta.

A few moments in, after grabbing a beer, I saw Addison from across the dance floor. She was absolutely breath-taking yet had this sweet aura to her. We locked eyes immediately and it felt like she was the only person on that dance floor. I remember thinking that I was leaving town in a few days and so I might as well take a chance. I got a burst of confidence as she walked passed me and took her by the hand and gave her a small kiss. I’m not sure who was more surprised by what just happened, but it was definitely a peculiar conversation starter. We had a lovely evening with me talking away and Addison nodding and smiling strangely. I finally figured out that she only understood about a third of what I was saying given my accent. I think she was so embarrassed for momentarily believing a story about a lion attack resulting in a scar on my neck that when I asked her for her number she couldn’t say no.

After a number of charming messages back and forth, our first date took place in Wash Park Tavern, a couple days before I had to head back home. In true Addison style, we discussed all the deep and serious topics you are not supposed to bring up on a first date. It was mystifying how similar we were considering we grew up worlds apart in completely different circumstances. She was gorgeous, kind, funny and for some reason I felt as if I had known her forever.

Then reality set in. I was back in South Africa and we both knew it would be impossible to pursue anything, but for some reason I had to keep in touch. During my second trip to Denver in December we met up again. I thought this would probably be the last time I would ever see her. We had an amazing meal on a snowy night next to a fireplace, and this changed everything for me. While holding her hand and gazing into her eyes, we connected in a way I can’t describe in words. I knew we would be perfect for each other and hated this situation fate had put me into. I had to believe that it was possible!

I had a few more business trips to Denver and each trip we grew closer until Addison decided to come visit me in South Africa. Addison told me she had always wanted to honeymoon in South Africa, which is exactly how amazing that trip felt to me. We went on an incredible safari in Kruger, went cage diving with Great White Sharks, did wine tastings in Stellenbosch, explored the beaches, and ventured up Table Mountain. How could Addison not fall for this brave South African guy who is so afraid of heights that he was clinging to a cable car pole for dear life while ascending Table Mountain?!

After this trip, we knew we wanted to be together and end our long distance, so we started to plan a way forward. Addison came to South Africa again in September during which I solidified the idea that I wanted to propose.

Besides the fact that I felt like the luckiest man in the world with her wanting to be with me, I couldn’t picture doing life without my best friend. Then all the planning began!

I knew I wanted the proposal to be incredibly special to express even a tiny bit of how amazing my hopefully soon to be fiancé was to me, but I knew so little about Denver. After many different ideas, I decided on the only way I could really surprise her. I solicited the help of her family and friends to pull it all together. We had to arrange so many different timelines, making up so many different stories to keep Addison from being suspicious. The timing of everything had to be precise as I literally needed to leave the airport, freshen up for the big moment and be at the venue within an hour and a half. Working on it with her friends and family really showed me how loved and special Addison was to so many people. Luckily it all paid off and after a few moments of shock she said:

“Yes”.

About a month after the engagement, Addison packed up everything and moved to South Africa. Of course she would never leave behind her dog, Layla! Since Addison has moved to South Africa our adventures together have continued. We have explored the coastlines of Mauritius by scooter, enjoyed several trips to the beach, saw thousands of penguins in Cape Town, hosted friends and family from America, and explored the markets in Johannesburg together. Most of all, we enjoy being able to see each other every day, having coffee in bed in the morning, and date nights at our favorite Mexican restaurant where they know us by name.

I know the greatest adventures are still to come and I am so happy I get to experience them with my soulmate by my side.