A few days after Thanksgiving Elisabeth and Scotty ventured out to Glengray tree farm to pick out and cut down their Christmas tree.
After walking around the tree farm for about 45 minutes, Elisabeth had finally found the perfect tree for their house this year. So, Scotty started the process of cutting it down.
About half way through, he said, “Man, Elisabeth, you picked a fat one. I need to take a break.” Well, it was kind of cold and rainy, so she said “Chop, chop, let’s go!”
He replied with, “Well, you get down here and do it then.”
She refused – the ground was all muddy and although she doesn’t mind getting dirty, she was totally not dressed for it. Scotty insisted, and so finally she gave in.
Elisabeth got down on her knees and started trying to saw with all her might…and nothing happened. The saw wouldn’t even budge.
Scotty laughed a little and then said, “Well, you have to promise not to squeal.”
He tickled her sides a little bit, and she giggled, giving him a look like “What?? Why would I squeal?” When he opened his closed hand, an engagement ring was nestled in his palm.
“Of course, at that moment I squealed!” says Elisabeth. ” I asked, “Really?” I was totally surprised!”
Scotty looked at her, anticipating a response, to which she said, “Well, you have to ask me the question.” He did, and she said yes!
“I think the proposal was a balance of impromptu and planned.” Elisabeth said. “Scotty knew he wanted to propose at the tree farm (he told my parents he was going to), but I don’t think he had it planned out in detail. It was very much in his style – no great show or fancy fireworks. Just him and me. It was perfect beyond all measure!” 
Tell me how you met. Where were you? What were you doing? What did you each think when you first saw the other person?
The night that I decided to call it quits with the previous guy, I went for a walk around campus to sit at the war memorial chapel. Scotty decided to join me and we talked until late in the night about our families, our hobbies, and our dreams for the future. When I got cold, he gave me his jacket. He listened to a recording I had made of me playing piano, and told me about his affinity for hunting and the great outdoors. At the end of the evening, he walked me back to my dorm.
This all happened on March 19, 2007. Just a few short weeks later was April 7, 2007. Scotty walked me to class that morning. That afternoon, we lost 32 of our fellow Hokies. But it a strange kind of way, it cemented our relationship. We survived the tragedy together, and in the weeks that followed where Virginia Tech cancelled classes, we were able to spend time together and take care of each other. We went on a camping trip, played volleyball, met each others’ families, and remembered those we lost with the rest of the hokie nation. We went to the candle light vigils, walked around the duck pond, and talked about anything and everything. Although the tragedy itself was one of the most difficult experiences of our lives, the aftermath and the way that the Blacksburg community bonded together afterwards was the number one most beautiful outpourings of love that we had ever seen.
Tell me about your first date. Where did you go? Who picked the place? Was it a huge success or did it have it’s challenges?
What part of your wedding are you most looking forward to? What part are you most nervous about?
I am excited to end the chapter of dating and begin the chapter of married life. I am also excited to be surrounded by our family and friends who have supported us for years and who have encouraged us through the good times and the bad as we say our vows. 
As far as what I am nervous about? not much at this point. Perhaps my biggest fear is the weather. Our wedding will be held at the Inn on the Pamlico Sound on the outer banks of NC. So, a hurricane coming up the cost the weekend of our wedding could really dampen the celebration.
