Matt and Gillian knew of each other for a few years prior, but it was a trip to Windermere Island in the Bahamas where they grew to know each other. It was a fairly large group, but the two felt drawn together, talking about anything and everything, feeling oddly comfortable in each other’s company. At some point in the trip, Matt asked Gillian to come to visit him in Houston, where he was living at the time, and the rest was history.

Matt experienced a good deal of stress preparing for the proposal! It’s difficult to navigate a secret plan when you’re quarantined with the person you’re trying to surprise in the same small condo. After many phone calls with the appropriate parties to nail down the ring and secretly stashing it in the residence, the next worry was getting it out of the country--to the same place where the relationship had started, Windermere Island in the Bahamas. After a nervy trip through TSA security and Bahamian customs, the ring arrived safe and secret. Despite the anxiety in the leadup, once Matt checked for the 15th time that the ring was in fact “still there” he found himself tranquil, confident, and ready for the moment. Gillian’s sister and brother-in-law (Joy Lynne and Tom, also Matt’s long-time friends) helped to stage the surprise on the beach with maternity pictures for Joy Lynne as the front. Gillian was surprised and excited, saying yes before the question was asked. Matt teared up a bit and forgot to put on the ring; it was great.