Dave suggested that he and Jessica return to Lake Norman State Park near Charlotte, NC for a picnic. They had visited this park almost exactly one year prior, when it was a good half-way point between Greenville (where Dave lived) and Greensboro (where Jessica lived). This was a special location for them, since it was on this picnic in 2007 when they first shared their feelings of love for each other.

The plan for the day was to take along a lunch and then go hiking that afternoon. Dave insisted that he prepare the meal himself, despite numerous offers from Jessica to prepare various dishes. Jessica was surprised and a little disappointed that morning to find that Dave only had a small lunchbox containing bread and lunch meat. Little did she know that he had another picnic basket containing an assortment of delicious foods that had significance for the two of them, including everything they had eaten on last year's picnic, already hidden in the car!

When they arrived at the park, Dave pulled out the basket, a blanket, and his guitar. They spread the blanket down on the top of a hill, overlooking the lake below, where lots of people were swimming or relaxing on the sand. After the meal, Dave suggested we take a walk. As soon as Jessica stood up, Dave grabbed the ring from the picnic basket. By the time she turned around, he was on one knee with the box in his hand.

Jessica first blurted out, "Are you serious?" and then immediately started laughing and crying. Dave said wonderful, beautiful things that neither of us can quite remember, due to the excitement of the moment. When he asked the big question and Jessica said yes, the crowd started clapping and cheering.

The surprises just kept coming, as Dave pulled out his guitar and played/sang the song he wrote for Jessica. The beautiful lyrics of "Southern Fairytale" describe Dave and Jessica's relationship in the past, present, and future. (Dave played this song at church the next day and had several people in tears!)

Dave then presented a Bible with "Dave and Jess" engraved on the cover. Together they read a couple of passages that Dave had picked out and then served each other communion (using Jessica's favorite red wine from a vineyard in Newberry that they had visited together).

Both Jessica and Dave couldn't wait to share the news with friends and family, and they spent a lot of time making phone calls and taking pictures. Shortly after leaving the park, Dave decided he needed to pull over in order to send some text messages. At that moment, they happened to be at the exit for a shopping center they had visited on their first real date in October of 2007. Completely unplanned, they ended up walking to the Coldstone Creamery where they had gotten ice cream that fall day and spent time reminiscing about their past together.

It truly was a perfect day!