We’re getting married!

The first time we met was in 2015 at a training for work, which we both attended in Austin. Because we had a mutual friend in the Dallas office, we too were friendly towards one another. Following that training, our interactions consisted of a smile and a wave down a hallway or across a room as either of us traveled to the other's office. Fast forward a few years and Brooks came to Austin for work. An office happy hour was arranged, but as the universe would have it, the only two people who walked into the bar that night were Brooks and Catie. 6 hours of conversation and more than a few drinks later, a deep friendship was forged.

Once we decided to date, we became serious about one another very quickly. This led to Brooks meeting Catie's children. The fact of the matter here is that the honor with which Brooks approached Anevay, Mateo, Luciana, and Christian's memory is breathtaking. So we took the next step: While Brooks was still living in Dallas, we purchased a lot and began building a home that we could retire in - one that our children will bring our grandchildren to visit (one where we will be hosting our wedding reception!). While this process can be a stressful one for many people, we found it incredibly fun! This huge process made it very clear that we work well together and that we each serve as a solid partner for the other. Our relationship is genuinely the easiest either of us has ever known. From the start of our friendship to dating to moving in together, buying a house, and getting engaged life is simply better with the other one in it. We view the world in a similar way despite our very different religious views and cradle our respect for one another gently. There's a LOT of laughter in our home and an equal measure of silliness outside of it.

On the walk to our neighbor's house on New Year's Eve (coincidentally, this neighbor is the colleague who ran the training where we met in 2015), Brooks turned to Catie and said, "You know, I've been thinking about it and I want to marry you." This was followed over the next 6 weeks by a few fake proposals. The first was New Years Day after Catie handed Brooks a cup of coffee; another was before a date when he instead handed her his will; still another was, of course, tying his shoe. The week of the proposal, Brooks took Luciana to the jewelry store to help him pick out the ring. The story they told Catie was that they were picking up Luciana's shoes for dance class. Mateo was in the loop and asked to be present for the event, and this request helped Brooks put the final touches on the master plan. On the day of the actual proposal, Feb. 15th, 2019, Brooks was all over the place. We planned a "Valentine's" date of an interactive art exhibit and dinner at Catie's favorite restaurant. Brooks rented a limo that he was afraid Catie would see out front and Mateo made a last-minute choice to attend Soccer Club after school - this interfered with his ability to be present for the proposal, so Brooks zipped to the school to pick him up and bring him home. On the drive home, Mateo told Brooks that he might wait until later in the night to propose because, "If Mom says no, that's going to make your entire date awkward." Brooks assured Mateo that this was happening and that sometimes it pays to just go for it! When Catie was ready to leave, Mateo and Luciana told her to look out back because there was something she would want to see. Brooks was standing on the patio in the area where they watch the sunset. Catie walked outside and Brooks turned to her. 'I love yous' were exchanged. And then a very intimate proposal took place in which the entire family was present. Prosecco (for the adults), Sprite (for the kids), and a lot of smiles followed! We're getting married!