February 12, 2010

Widow and widower Becky and Dave Howard spent time teaching in Nelson County Schools. They eventually started dating and knew it was going to last.

One day, they headed out for a birthday outing. One of their first stops was at Crabtree Falls in Nelson County, a place that’s seen its share of engagements and weddings over the years. It's the perfect backdrop for a lot of couples, but only part of the story for Becky and Dave.

After leaving the falls, the Howards made it to Love, Virginia, a small community near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Nelson County. The town was originally named Meadow Mountain, but the post office was looking to shorten the name. Since the postmaster had lost a daughter named "Lovey", he chose to name the town "Love" as a lasting tribute to her.

“It was the right idea, the right place, and the right time,” said Dave.

The Howards had been to Love once before for a picnic, and therefore Becky thought something was up.

“So, he walked up on the gazebo and I was saying, ‘I think I know why we’re here now’,” said Becky.

Her suspicions were right. Dave popped the question in Love. Becky said 'yes', and the two tied the knot November 24, 2006.

The Howard’s took a quiet approach to their engagement, while other people want to tell the world. One member of the military chose to propose at a Rascal Flatts concert at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville. Several other people have shared the moment with the world on Youtube.

Whether it’s by a quiet waterfall, the perfectly-named town, or in front of a few thousand of your closest friends, there are plenty of places and ways you can pop the question around the place we call home.