We had known each other for over 8 years, often crossing paths in the same circles of friends but never really thinking twice about it. For years, we didn’t see each other as anything more than acquaintances. Life carried on, and we each had our own journeys. Then, 2020 happened. The world seemed upside down, and in the middle of the chaos, we were both evacuated during the fires. We found ourselves side by side, far from the familiar, facing uncertainty together. Those days, filled with smoky skies and anxious hearts, also brought us moments of laughter, comfort, and connection. Everything we hadn’t seen in each other over the years finally came into focus. From that moment on, we realized we didn’t want to face life’s challenges—or joys—without each other.

Fast forward to the day of the proposal. He had it all planned out—a beautiful day at the botanical garden, surrounded by flowers and nature. But life had other plans. Avery crashed a scooter and completely threw Briar’s romantic surprise off course. Instead of the perfect garden setting, we ended up grabbing pizza and wandering around downtown Austin. And in the most unexpected yet perfect way, he proposed right in the middle of 6th Street at exactly midnight. It was chaotic, spontaneous, and full of laughter—exactly how our love has always been.