Dylan and I both graduated form the Texas Tech Energy Commerce program. Dylan in 2015 and me in 2018. After graduation Dylan went to work for Anadarko as a Landman. The Summer of 2017 I interned at Concho in Midland and one of my classmates, Caleb, interned for Anadarko and Dylan was his mentor. Somehow we never crossed paths that entire Summer. Luckily, football season came along and the Energy Commerce program hosted a tailgate. Caleb brought Dylan to the tailgate (Thanks Caleb) and introduced us. We hit it off immediately at the tailgate and Dylan asked for my number and then later asked if he could take me out next time he was in town. I had no desire to get into a relationship because I was a Senior and enjoying my last year of college with my friends. But, I had recently accepted my job at Concho and would be moving to Midland after graduation so I decided to give Dylan a shot and I’m so glad I did! We feel very blessed all the little things fell into place so we could meet!

Proposal Story As was true with many things in 2020, the proposal was anything but easy. I had to manage getting a ring shipped to Midland, contacting all of her friends, and getting a photographer and venue booked all while Mackayla and I were trapped in my house under quarantine for three months. Mackayla is notorious for being nosy to begin with so it was a small miracle I was able to get this pulled together without her getting too suspicious. When it came to proposal day, the plan was to drive straight from Midland to Lubbock. The idea was for all of our family and friends to be inside the Kent Hance Chapel (where the wedding will be) and I would propose right outside the front door. She would say yes and we would walk into the front door and be surprised by all those nearest and dearest to us. The whole plan hinged on Mackayla being fully dressed before we got in the car to leave. Stopping at her house to change wasn’t an option with her entire family staying there all weekend. To make a long story short, Mackayla was being difficult and did not get dressed before we left Midland. After getting a little flustered, I had no other option when we pulled into Lubbock other than bluntly telling her “Mackayla, just put your #$%@$!& dress on.” I think she finally got the message at that point. We got to the chapel, I got down on one knee and of course she said yes. It was a day I will never forget and having all of our closest friends and family there made it even more special!