His Side: Since I have gotten everything else on the web, I figured, why not a date? So, I jumped onto Match.com and did my thing. With the hook baited, I just had to wait for some pretty little thing to take a nibble... then BANG. Reel one in. It didn't take too long before I got an email from one Jess Winkle. After a few messages back and forth, I could tell that she had a brain in her head, and most likely didn't have a horn growing from her forehead. We decided to meet.

The date was September 2nd, 2006. Labor day weekend. We decided we would meet at Boondocks for a little mini-golf competition. After a little friendly wagering and verbal jabs at each other, we stepped to the first tee. She preceded to drill a hole in one, and I thought, uh-oh... she's a ringer! Of course, from then on I destroyed her in those 8 remaining holes by about 17 strokes. At least she was a good(ish) sport about it!

When we were finished we decided we should get a drink and keep shooting the shit. We found a nearby sports bar for a couple cold beers (that was the wager). We walked in, and both wanted to take a seat where we could see the big screen, which was showing Notre Dame's season opener. Wait... what? You like beer AND you're a sports fan? Hmmm... this is going better than I thought... We watched the second half of the game, have a few cold ones and upon leaving we mutually decided we should "do this again".

The rest, as they say, is history.

Her side:Back in August 2006 I took a wonderful trip with my friend Christy to Europe for her sister's wedding.  We made the trek to the Czech Republic for the wedding.  Christy's sister had met her future husband on match.com and they had a lot of great things to say about it.  After the wedding we headed down to Croatia where we rented apartments for the week.  Christy and I spent days hiking and walking around and talking about where we were in life and what we wanted.  After thinking it all over I decided that when I got back home I would try it..at least just to say I did. 

So I logged on, had a few emails back and forth with others.  Nothing substantial.  Until, I bumped in to "sinatraholic" (adorable, I know!)  (Jason here: to view said profile, go here) We exchanged emails back and forth.  He liked sports...mainly football, unfortunately Boise State (booo!) but we agreed that the local hockey team would be our middle ground.  As "he" said we arranged to meet for mini-golf.  That's it .  I thought that would be the safest.  If he was a total loser I just had to muscle through one golf game.  We met and had great conversation (umm better put than "shooting the shit"...geez!)  Even with a hole in one on the first hole I sadly lost...and I had to pay up.  The wager was beers.  We headed down to a sport bar for some more great conversation and football...what more could I ask for!  I must admit I was smitten and intrigued by Mr Sinatraholic and I wanted to see where this would go...that was the best decision of my life!

Here's the scene. We had a Christmas party scheduled at our house for December 1st 2007. I had been racking my brain trying to come up with a good way to pop the question. I had gotten the ring 3 days earlier and it was all I could do to wait for something at least semi-special. After speaking with her dad, the day before, I figured there was no time like the present.

As we were preparing for the party, I told her that we want to be done early before the guests start arriving so that we could relax and have a drink before it was game time. Every other time we've had people over, we have been scrambling around as the doorbell is ringing. Of course, I had an ulterior motive this time.

Amazingly enough, we were finished and ready 30 minutes before everyone was supposed to show. I poured us some wine, and we sat on the couch. Christmas lights casting a very festive yet subdued ambiance, we listened to some music. After a few deep breaths, I asked her if we had done everything we needed to. If she had everything she needed. She said she did, but I asked again if she was sure. Just then, I pulled out the little wooden box and dropped to one knee. I asked, and she enthusiastically accepted. We then broke out a little champagne for ourselves to toast the occasion.

Just then, friends started arriving, which was all part of my plan. I figured that doing it this way allowed her to tell all of them at once and have sort of an impromptu engagement party. Needless to say, the ring was a hit, both with her and the party guests.

A good time was had by all.