We can't wait to celebrate our love with you!

If we get really technical, then Candice and I met when we were in 7th or 8th grade. I remember specifically seeing her at school parading around a brand new baby. That is my earliest memory of Candice, 14 years old and so excited to be a big sister. We became friends throughout high school and college, and we were even roommates for a couple of months. Fast forward to 2017; Candice reached out to me wanting to get together to catch up and exchange travel stories. The conversation sparked not only an old friendship, but a new flame. As they say, the rest is history!

Lauren proposed to me on Sunday, October 7th, 2018, on S. Congress Avenue - where our love blossomed and where we shared our first home. I did not see it coming, although, looking back there were some obvious signs. That Sunday started off as any - CBS Sunday morning and coffee on the couch. I'm not typically immovable but I do enjoy my Sunday morning routine. Lauren and I had tickets to ACL Music Festival that day, but since the first show we wanted to see wasn't until the afternoon, I figured we were in no rush. Little did I know, Lauren's palms started sweating the moment she woke up. She was so sweet and kind in her gentle nudges for me to get a move on and get the day started. I wasn't having it since I could not think of one reason why I should stop watching Meet the Press and take a shower. Eventually, though, I got dressed and ready for the day. We left the apartment and started walking down South Congress to head to Zilker park. I remember the sunshine. I remember the silly laughs we shared as we joked about this and that, walking past the crowds of people that are so often gathered on Sundays on South Congress, especially on a beautiful fall day. We walked past all the Austin staples: Magnolia Cafe then Torchy’s Tacos, then Allen’s Boots and Lucy in Disguise, then on past Guero’s. It was when we were approaching Jo’s Coffee shop, with it’s famous graffiti gracing the side of the building, that we ran into two old friends. What a happy surprise it was, although not at all shocking since they are photographers and there are no shortage of folks snapping photos of the beautiful long, straight avenue to the Capitol. Lauren suggested we take a photo in front of the iconic sign, since it was, after all, a beautiful day, and we just so happened to run into our photographer friends that had their cameras handy. I thought to myself what a good idea it was, and agreed. Up until the last moment, I was completely oblivious. Then, she asked, and I said Yes!