They met, of all places, at a bar. “But we got to know each other through a Bible study at church,” she added. She liked his southern, Alabama charm, and he remembers noticing how beautiful she was. So they took a chance and decided to try things out, not really knowing where it would lead. And then Dan was called up for a four month long tour at sea with the US Navy and their only form of communication was e-mail, which Dan wasn’t able to read for the first two months anyways. “I sometimes felt like I was writing to myself- I wrote to him once or twice a day, every day.” And when Dan finally returned home she was there on the pier, waiting to welcome him back. But the Navy called Dan back after a short four weeks home on  another tour, this time for three months. So she waited again, and was there on the pier once more when he returned home.

Three years later, Dan knew it was time. And after two failed attempts at proposing that involved a hurricane and a frigid evening at the beach, Dan finally managed to get Carole’s full and undivided attention at the top of the Empire State Building in New York City. As he lowered himself onto one knee and Carole began to realize the weight of what was happening… a group of camera-clad tourists burst onto the terrace and filled the air with the sound of clicking shutters. Ahh, sweet romance!

Dan and Carole, I thoroughly enjoyed spending the early morning with you in DC, even if we did have to evade the police on more than one occasion! Your joy is so tangible and I’m so thankful that you let me into your love for a few hours on a foggy morning. I can’t wait to see you both again in 11 days for your WEDDING!!

We began at sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial…

Mmm! Love that sunrise light coming in!

Oh, y’know. Just hangin out, bein’ romantic, watchin’ Sunday morning traffic.

I love the image on the right, but it also makes me laugh because it looks like good ol’ Honest Abe is judging them. Or acting as a chaperone.

You guys are so cute!!

Carole, you are such a classic beauty. You look so beautiful!!

I love the way he looks at her.

Dan you look so good!! You guys have this whole “being awesome in front of the camera” thing down pat.

Oh hello, awesome DC tree! Remember this one?

Happy Thursday!!