We are getting married!!!

06.22.2018 - After meeting out of pure chance, Ethan asked Jess on a date to mexican & how could she turn that down?! They went, had some queso, and went on their way. Give it just 2 days, and Ethan asks Jessica to be his girlfriend... she says no. LOL! Fast forward a month of dates later, and Ethan asks again (with much less confidence this time...), and Jess finally agrees. 09.24.2018 - After an extravagant three course meal at a local restaurant (Ethan spent his last dime on this dinner & Jess didn't know that until months later.), Ethan finally broke down expressed that he had fallen for Jessica. Jessica said "I love you" back, and their relationship continued to grow. 10.07.2018 - On the drive back to from a wedding, Jessica called her dad and talked to him about how strong her feelings were. He told her, "when you know, you know." 12.25.2018 - The first Christmas, Ethan celebrated with Jessica's family, and Jessica made the drive to Covington to spend some time with his family, too. It was after that Christmas that they both knew they would spend the rest of their lives together. --FAST FORWARDDDDD-- 03.04.2020 - Ethan tells Jessica that her mom needs his help moving something heavy at her house, and goes ring shopping with Julie. He buys the ring, and hides it at Julie's house because he knows Jessica will be looking. 05.21.2020 - Ethan asks Jessica's dad for his permission to marry his daughter. Jamie quickly gave Ethan his permission before he could even get the question out, but topped off his approval with a reminder of his expectations of how his daughter should be treated & what to expect if she is not treated that way. 06.22.2020 - Ethan booked a secret sunrise excursion for a private hot air balloon ride over Orlando, FL for their 2 year anniversary, All Jessica could think was, "plz don't propose to me while I'm sweating my butt off in this hot air balloon." He didn't, but it was one of the best and most memorable days of their relationship.

In the midst of a world-wide pandemic, our engagement happened. Ethan planned the proposal (with the help of Julie and J-Murph) back in March, but he used the time between March and the proposal to further confuse Jessica. On the morning of the proposal, Jessica had already told herself that Ethan would wait until after her family had left FL to propose. She was so convinced that she planned on wearing nike shorts and a t-shirt to Bok Tower Gardens that day. Ethan still owes thanks to J-Murph for convincing her otherwise! Once at Bok Tower (Jessica still very unaware), we took it slow, looked at the museum displays, and planned to walk up to the tower. A little wrench was thrown in the plan when Ethan began to panic because Jessica was complaining about how hot it was. (For the record, it was 103 and humid as could be. So, yes. HOT.) Ethan kept sneaking back for reassurance from Julie when Jessica's complaining continued. As we walked behind Bok Tower, enjoying the view, Ethan gave Julie THE SIGNAL. THE SIGNAL was for Julie to bring him the ring which she was holding onto for him in case Jessica saw his pockets (she sometimes checked these things). However, Julie missed THE SIGNAL altogether. As Jessica and J-Murph were taking pictures under the trees behind Bok Tower, Ethan desperately and discreetly tried to transfer the ring from Julie's purse to his pocket, just to be interrupted by Jessica yelling, "Are you going to come take a picture with me, or just stand over there with your finger up your butt?!" Wow, Jess, way to kill a mood. Despite all this, Ethan still went through with the sweetest proposal. There were many tears and lots of shaky hands, but the ring fit, Jess was very surprised, and SHE SAID YES!