It all started with a plan to go to a casual dinner and then gather with friends at 409 South Main to participate in a gift exchange. Our group text with friends called Christmas at 409 started like this, "Hey y'all!!! Happy week of Christmas!!! We're gonna do a small Christmas party at 409 this Thursday night at 7 PM! Bring a $10 dirty Santa gift & dress Christmas Classy because we'll go take pics in the selfie museum. Let me know if you can make it!" So, this was my response, "I am in!". Little did I know, Joseph and my friends had come up with an elaborate scheme to surprise me with our proposal. Armed with fresh baked homemade cookies, and our dirty Santa gifts, we took the elevator to the third floor where the "party" was supposed to take place. As soon as the doors opened and I saw the room was lined with candles, I knew this was much more than a dirty Santa exchange. I quickly sat down my armload of goods as he grabbed my hand and walked me down to the candlelit area where he would get down on one knee and ask me to marry him. Shocked and overwhelmed with emotion, I quickly said "YES". We immediately FaceTimed our family and shared our exciting news with them. After grabbing some pictures, we drove back to my parents' house where our friends and family were eagerly waiting to celebrate with us. We are excited for you all to share in such a special season with us and walk alongside us as we begin this new chapter in our lives! We are grateful to be surrounded by such amazing friends and family.