Drake and I met in the 6th grade. We were never really super close while going through school as we both had different friend groups, but our paths did cross quite often. We were both very athletic and actually voted "Most likely to go to the Olympics" for our senior year superlative. We sat next to each other senior year in physics and I later found out that Drake had a pretty big crush on me. Timing wasn't right and I was not available. Over 2 years after graduating high school, we somehow reconnected. Drake miraculously still had that crush on me and he was determined to show me just how much he was interested in me. He was so determined to show me why he was the right guy for me and definitely put in the effort to do so. I am so thankful for him going above and beyond to show me just how perfect we would be together. I had never felt such a strong love for someone so quickly, it was almost scary. I remember accidentally falling asleep at his apartment one night and woke up briefly to him carrying me to his bed. He was so gentle and kind I just remember thinking "I'm going to marry this man." 4 years later, here we are planning our wedding and I could not feel more blessed. I can not wait to be his WIFE! -Darian

Two weeks till show time, "Let The Ring Hunt Begin": One week before I left for a small trip to Vegas I decided it was time to start looking for rings. I texted Darian's best friend, Alli, and said "It's time. Let's go find a ring." she began asking "How? What? When? Where? FINALLY!". After our first trip to the jewelers none of the premade rings were exactly what she was looking for so we decided our best option was to custom make one to make sure it was "perfect". The ring was gonna take a week to be ready for pick up. "Got The ring... Now What?": The ring had arrived, time to figure out how it was going to happen. After brainstorming for a few days, we finally decided the best option was to have her go out to dinner with Alli on a Saturday while I'm "at the gym". Then Alli would make them take a detour across the bridge in dublin and that was where I was going to ask. The day of, "Showtime". The time we chose was 7:00pm. I woke up at 10, went to the gym until 3, then had to start getting things set up. First stop; Big Lots. We decided we wanted to hang all of our pictures up on the bridge so as she walked towards me she would see all of our memories..... we had 30 total pictures, haha, we aren't the best at taking photos together. Next, I met Collin at bridge park, which I was late to (oops), to start setting up all (30) pictures on the bridge. Nearing the end of set up a large group of people had started to form waiting for her arrival. As Darian begins walking on the bridge I get into position but, because of the large group of people around me she couldn't see me. Then, without a warning, she emerges from the crowd. She spots me and immediately starts to tear up, she knows what's happening. When she finally gets up to me I couldn't manage to put any words together besides "Darian, will you marry me?". I'm so excited for the next chapter of our life, together. -Drake