Having just graduated from the University of Texas and eager to embark on my new journey of independent adulthood, I certainly did not expect to meet my future husband where or when I did. Nonetheless,it is a moment I will never forget! Upon returning from orientation and training in New York with my new role at Citi Bank, I was like a kid at Christmas entering our Dallas office for my first official day in the big girl job. After a tour of the building with my analyst class, we were escorted to a meeting room to be picked up by our new managers - of whom we all relentlessly stalked on LinkedIn prior to our arrival. I put on my most professional face and readied myself to meet my soon-to-be manager, but instead who walks in and calls my name? A young man (who I would be lying if I said I did not find very attractive) named Hunter Baltutat. Fast forward a few months and Hunter had not only become one of my best friends in Dallas, but was quickly becoming something more. From that point, everything occurred at the speed of light. We knew from the get go, this was something special. So, when an offer popped up for me to relocate to New York City nearly a year in, it was not a matter of if Hunter would also move up, but when. From then on, our fate together was solidified.

It wasn’t until about the end of July that I decided when and where I wanted to pop the question to Jeannette. The plan was to go to Fire Island and ask her to marry me at the famous lighthouse. I had her parents, my parents and my sister all flying into town for the big event. We didn't get off to a hot start as when we woke up the weather was horrible. I remember looking outside and immediately my heart sank. But did I let that ruin things? Hell no, I was doing it today. All three of the people in my apartment were confused as to why I was so adamant about keeping to this plan. Before we knew it, the sun was out in full force and the day was perfect! 2 pm rolled around and I suggested we all take our things and walk to the lighthouse (Jeannette and I have always enjoyed seeing different lighthouses when we travel). It ended up being a lot farther away than what I originally had planned. Needless to say, by the time we got there we were all sweating profusely. After I had stalled long enough to cool down in the shop, we made our way outside. We were a go for project "trick Jeannette into spending the rest of her life with me". Once everything was in perfect position, I reached into my drone case and pulled out the ring. I grabbed Jeannette by her hands and told her how much she has meant to me over these past 4 years. I got down on one knee and asked the love of my life the four most important words I will ever say: Will You Marry Me?! Surprisingly, she said yes! We spent the rest of the night on the island before heading back to Manhattan for a surprise engagement party with our friends in the City. It turned out to be one of our most memorable nights of lives and I really do owe it all to our friends. Everyone was so selfless in taking part of this incredible event and made it that much more special for the both of us. It's a day you always dream of, but never truly understand how you will feel until you are in the moment. I will surely never forget it!