We're Getting Married!

Alaina's Uncle Roy had been trying to introduce Alaina and Jay for months. He worked with Jay and kept saying, “You two have to meet.” Eventually, Alaina agreed to a lunch. While she was waiting inside the restaurant, she told her mom and sister that she just wanted to “get it over with.” But when she saw Jay walk by, she paused and said, “Wait… he’s cute.” Jay didn’t know he was walking into a setup until he and Uncle Roy were pulling into the parking lot. But once they sat down for lunch, the connection was instant. Alaina remembers feeling like they were the only two people at the table. Jay remembers thinking she was not only gorgeous but smart- and he’s said ever since that he loves the way her brain works. Four days later, on Jay’s birthday, they had their first official date. They started with one game of bowling, just in case they didn’t click. But one game turned into two and then drinks at a bar around the corner. Alaina beat Jay the first game and joked, “Maybe for the second date, you can pick something you’ll actually beat me at.” Jay took her up on that second date quickly- showing up at her apartment, where her friends were all sitting on the couch waiting to meet him. He passed the vibe check. A few months later, she went with Jay and his friends to Bonnaroo, and that was that. Their relationship took off quickly, filled with laughter, deep talks, and weekend adventures. Together, they love seeing movies (especially Wes Anderson films), going to comedy shows and concerts, trying new restaurants, hosting game nights (where they are an undefeated team), and traveling the world. One of their favorite trips was Oktoberfest in Munich. Alaina says her favorite thing about Jay is his laugh- she heard it on their first date and immediately thought it was the best laugh she’d ever heard. When she left that date, she called one of her best friends and said, “Don’t be surprised if I marry this guy. Something just feels different.” Jay is Alaina’s perfect opposite but equal. She’s the spark, he’s the calm. He makes up silly songs about their cats, surprises her when she least expects it, and always knows how to make her laugh. During dental school, when Alaina was overwhelmed, Jay would text her before every stressful moment and say, “Be a brave Lanie.” For her 24th birthday, Jay planned a getaway to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, complete with dinner at a cozy Italian spot and a stay in a haunted hotel. But her 25th birthday held an even bigger surprise. Knowing that Alaina is obsessed with bear cubs, Jay arranged a private black bear encounter at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans- her favorite city. As Alaina turned around to feed the bears their grapes, Jay got down on one knee. When she turned back, the zookeepers were filming and Jay asked, “For the last time, will you marry me?”- a nod to the way he’d asked her jokingly every night for months. She was stunned, emotional, and a little overheated, but it was the easiest “yes” she’d ever said. Jay had even worked with Alaina’s sister, Anna, to design her dream ring. When they got home, their families had planned a surprise engagement party, making the moment even more perfect. Now, they’re counting down the days to “I do”- grateful to be surrounded by the people who’ve cheered them on since the beginning, and excited to start the next chapter in the love story that started with a setup and turned into a forever kind of love.