we can't wait to party with you

We first met back in 2016 while Colin was visiting a mutual friend in Kingsport. We instantly became great friends through our similar sense of adventure, telling jokes, bonding over the Red Sox, and having a rap battle to Lil Wayne. While separated by 531 miles, we always found a reason to check in on one another. Colin even went as far as sending me an autographed Red Sox baseball! I, still, had no idea he was interested. Finally, senior year of college we both put together how much we liked each other. From then, we were both smitten.

Buckle in! I tried to shorten it, but the details are my favorite part! This story technically begins well before Colin and I were born. On July 9th, 1964, my mom, Rosemary, was born. Therefore, that day was considered a holiday within my family. Rightfully so because Rosemary was the star of the show and everyone's best friend. She was an adventurous, joyful, hilarious, and kind person who always went above and beyond to make life fun. Colin never had the opportunity to meet my mom before she passed away. However, he was dedicated to learning everything about her and continuing her legacy. To honor her, on July 9th, 2021, Colin planned a "what would Rosie do day." He knew these milestones were difficult for me, so he filled the day with activities Rosemary would have loved. We started with a walk to Starbucks for coffee and cake pops, then made our way to Virginia for a day of zip lining! It was a blast, and as we flew through the air, we yelled, "what would Rosie do!!!". After, we headed home to get ready for dinner with our friend in DC. We were riding scooters along the National Mall when Colin suggested running down to the Constitution Gardens for a picture. We took a selfie, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a man pulling a camera out of his bag. By the time I looked back down, Colin was on one knee!!! I have no idea what he said, but I said YES! I proceeded to scream and yell, which prompted people to ask me if I was okay (lol), but I yelled "yes, I'm engaged!". The photographer was taking pictures of us when again I heard someone say, "did you get engaged?". I turned around to say yes, but quickly realized that person was my dad!!! Along with my stepmother Gail and my mom's best friend/my best friend, Lisa King! So then I yell some more!! It was so special; however, I was sad my sister wasn't there. She had been in New Zealand making wine, and due to the pandemic, the last time I saw her was November of 2019. In my mind, I figured if she were there, she would have surprised me with the rest of my family. We were continuing to take family pictures when again, I hear someone ask, "did you get engaged?". This time I turn around to see- MY SISTER! Colin had managed to help her get back to the United States and keep it a secret from me for two weeks!! The shock of everything hit me at this point, and I proceeded to sob for a long time. After I recovered, I thought the surprises were finished. We went to the Airbnb Colin had rented, and walking down the hallway, I could see the living room full of decorations. I rounded the corner and found FOUR of my best friends waiting for me!!! They had flown in to celebrate me, and we proceeded to party the whole weekend!! It was truly the most magical time of my life, and I have never felt so loved. Colin surpassed everything I could have ever imagined, but more importantly, I felt like my mom was there the whole time. I couldn't have asked for a better partner to spend the rest of my life with.