Although Landon and I lived in the same residence hall during our freshmen year of college, we didn’t actually meet until the fall of our sophomore year. A mutual friend, Taylor, invited both of us to study with her a few different times in the weeks leading up to finals. Taylor and Landon are friends from camp, and Taylor and I became friends after we were put in the same bible study earlier that year. Landon and I soon realized that we were in the same Macroeconomics class. He suggested that we “exchange phone numbers” to help each other “study for the final.” Once I discovered that Landon is wicked smart and didnt need my help studying, I started wondering if he had asked for my number for a different reason. Once we finished the exam and went our seperate ways for winter break, Landon texted me and asked how I thought the exam went. Smooth. We've talked everyday since! :)

With graduation coming up, Alex suspected a proposal could be in the near future. Maybe a spring proposal in the warm weather? Surely I wouldn't do something as sappy as proposing on Valentine’s Day! Did I even have a ring yet? Plus, that's so not our style (We're not big Valentine’s Day people)! Little did Alex know that I, with all this in mind, knew Valentine’s Day would be the perfect time for a surprise engagement. With the help of then roommates now bridesmaids, Taylor and Anne Meredith, a plan was hatched to decorate the entry way to their home for a candlelit proposal. Friends and family would be waiting in the back of the house to celebrate. Cut to dinner on Valentine’s Day and any suspicion of a looming proposal are squashed by my seeming lack of nerves and decision to pay for the Olive Garden dinner with a gift card. How romantic! Soon, we're pulling onto Alex's street. Alex is ready to crash and watch a Valentine’s movie or show on Netflix. I've got other ideas. She knows something is up when I ask her to leave her coat in the car on a 20 something degree evening. Before Alex has time to process what could be happening, she opens her front door to see a room decorated with lights, candles and pictures. She turns around and I'm on one knee. Minutes later a party ensues in the kitchen with hugs and champagne. We can't wait to celebrate again with each of you on October 23rd!