We actually sat next to each other in AP Economics senior year of high school (If anyone is wondering, I miserably failed that exam). Tom asked me to prom and went "as friends." We began talking and spending time together outside of class, not realizing that everyone knew we liked each other except for us! Admittedly I "friendzoned" him for a while, wanting to focus on starting college, but soon after graduation I realized that I didn't want to do it without my best friend. A few months later, Tom asked me to become his girlfriend, we went to the University of Florida together, and the rest is history.

The University of Florida is where we fell in love and began our journey. Like any lame 18 year old couple, we carved our initials in a tree on campus. Almost 5 years later, this is the exact spot he asked me to be his wife. I was completely shocked (as Tom would be graduating college in a few days and was swamped with school work and job applications, there is no way he could be planning something like this). But, with the help and stellar lying abilities of my best friends, they pulled off the best surprise I could ever imagine. My roommate Kaitlyne was taking pictures of us at the UF Football stadium for Tom's graduation and afterwards, I suggested that we go take pictures by "our tree." We got there and there was a beautiful setup of pictures and candles and champagne. It honestly didn't even cross my mind that it was for me, so I said "come on, hurry! Someone's about to get engaged and we should take our pictures before they get here!" and ran out of the car. Tom slowed me down, took my hand and at that moment I took a closer look at the pictures that were hanging and saw they were actually all pictures of us over the last 5 years. Tom got down on one knee, and spoke the sweetest words as we both welled up with tears. I cant even remember at what point I said yes, but he slipped the most perfect ring on my left hand and now we get to plan the beginning of forever. ...After the proposal all of my best friends jumped out from behind the trees and congratulated us! We went back to my apartment and were greeted by even more friends and a surprise engagement party.