We're getting married!!

July 4th, 2017 probably seems like such an insignificant day for most people, but for me, this was the day that my life would change forever. This was the day that I was going to meet my future wife. And even though she didn’t know it yet, I knew that this girl was it for me. I didn’t think much of that day prior to meeting Lauren as it was just supposed to be a normal 4th of July day drink, mixed with a housewarming party for Ian and my new apartment. The fact that Lauren was even there was by a complete stroke of luck as she didn’t catch an invite (loser!) by neither Ian or me, but rather through a friend of mine that I saw at the gym a few days earlier. It is by such chance that Lauren was able to make it that day, and it is truly a miracle that I got to meet this girl that would become my entire world. When I think back to that day, I remember each moment that Lauren and I shared together with perfect clarity. Like the moment we teamed up for shuffleboard and each time we scored a point I would run to pick her up to celebrate like we had just won. Or how she had plotted to steal one of my candles because she secretly wanted to make sure I had a reason to text her after that day… I was onto you back then too baby girl! Somehow, by chance, I was given the opportunity to see my future right in front of me that day and although it took longer than I had anticipated, I was finally able to call this girl mine. And now, here we are, counting down the days until I get to call her my wife. I will never forget July 4th, 2017, as it was the best day of my life.

I had absolutely NO idea it was happening! I just conveniently got my hair done the weekend before, had the perfect light pink manicure, and chose the most practical 3 inch heels for an afternoon walking around DC! So I had a little bit of an idea, but I hate not knowing things so I made it NEARLY impossible to keep a total surprise. Alex can't be blamed for this. Let me back up a bit. A few weeks before the proposal, Alex suggested we go to DC for the day with very minimal details- not out of the ordinary. Alex knew I wanted to go for the cherry blossom festival, but the city has sentiment because it was the first “trip” we took as an official couple. So suspicions began. Throw in some oversights from my friends (now bridesmaids) and I thought I had the day all figured out. March 19th. It was a beautiful, shockingly warm March day, so we decided we would walk around when we arrived. We walked around all the beautiful parts of DC until we got to the Jefferson monument- you know, the one on the water. Alex stopped and suggested we look out over the water- not suspicious at all. He said some words about how amazing I am and how he can’t imagine his life without me and next thing I know he’s down on one knee and Im elated!! Not only was I right, but I'm now engaged to the love of my life!! We spent the next hour taking photos with Erica (@ericalynn.photo), our friend who was waiting behind a tree, and popping champagne. I could have kept going all day but Alex said we had a lunch reservation to get to! We leave and start driving and before I know it we arrive to a party with all of our closest friends and family with food and drinks waiting for us. Alex knew I wouldn’t want the party to stop there so he arranged for our friends to get hotels and go out in DC with us after the party to celebrate all night long! The day we got engaged has easily been favorite day so far and I can’t wait for all of the new favorite days to come- as soon to be husband and wife!!!