CJ and I matched on Tinder in March 2022. After chatting for a bit, CJ asked me out on a date. Unlike other dates I've had, CJ suggested I bring my new, three-month-old puppy along for our first meeting. We decided to meet at Memorial Park—he rode his bike, and I drove there with Hazel. We got to know each other better as we talked and found ourselves in a friendly debate over which bakery in Houston had the best cookies—Tiny's Milk and Cookies was my pick, while CJ championed Fluff Bake Bar. I always tell people I knew CJ was special because he made sure Hazel was part of our first date.

Julianne and I picked out a ring together so it was no secret I was going to pop the question, but when that would be was the mystery for Julianne. While reluctant at first, I was able to convince Julianne to do a little coffee bike ride with me. It was chilly by Texas standards being the day after Christmas. The midpoint for our ride was the picnic table we had our first date at (also the official Nascarl Pit Stop) turned out to be the moment she had been waiting for. Once our coffee and tea had been prepared, I became anxious as I saw my PIs in the bushes waiting for the big moment (shoutout Blake and Brianna). Now I was waiting for the perfect window without cars passing by on the picnic loop of Memorial Park behind us. Once the coast was clear, I knew it was time to make my move. She seemed a bit surprised, which made it all the better. She was crying so hard at first that I couldn’t tell if she was saying yes or no. Blake and Brianna emerged from the brush congratulating us as well as offering an impromptu engagement shoot. After hanging around and finishing our snacks, we rolled back home to share the news with our loved ones who we hope to see on our big day!