Julie North Photography

How did you meet?

 Scott and I initially met though a dating website, eharmony. I realized right away that we both attended Suncoast Community because one of his profile pictures was him playing the guitar at church. I recognized the backdrop of the stage to be that of Suncoast of course. We had a few conversations over the phone and decided we would like to meet each other in person. We decided to meet at a Starbucks in Sarasota.

 Describe your first date:

We met at Starbucks coffee shop for our first date where we immediately hit it off. We ordered drinks and sat and talked for three hours. We shared quite a bit about each others lives and I could tell that we would be seeing each other again. I’m sure I could have kissed her good night on that first date but decided to be a gentleman and wait.

What do you love most about Erin?   What I love most about Erin is how sweet and kind she is. It is clear that she has a genuine concern for me and others. She understands others needs, listens well and has a great sense of humor.

What do you love most about Scott?   What I love most about Scott is that he is very caring and is always concerned about my well-being. He is a great listener and I feel I can tell him anything. I love spending time with him; we truly enjoy each other’s company. We enjoy doing the same things and have a lot of common interests. I love that he is a devoted Christian and that we can grow together on our love walk with God.

How did he propose?  Scott had set up an “appointment” with a pastor that we had met with before for a dating counseling session. We decided to leave early enough to stop for a cup of coffee before we went to our appointment. We stopped at the Starbucks on University Pkwy, where we had first met…..I thought it was a little weird that we were stopping at that one, because we had to pass one near my house and we would have to actually pass another one on the way to the appt, but really didn’t give it any more thought.  We went in and ordered our drinks, and the barista apologized and said that the espresso machine was “malfunctioning” and suggested we have a seat and she would bring our drinks to us as soon as they got the machine “up and running”. A few minutes later, she brings our drinks over and I was confused b/c it didn’t feel right….it felt kind of light. I shake it a little and there was no liquid in it.  I opened the cup to find a red box inside…….I was a little confused. I open the box and inside was the most beautiful diamond ring ever! I was a little stunned…….truly not expecting it. As soon as I opened it, Scott down on one knee and proposed, and I, of course, said YES!!!!