We're Getting Married!

We started working together in 2016, and after four months we FINALLY went on our first date. I had given Ryan my “flirty” eyes which he claims had no effect. Ryan said the first time he realized I was interested was when I said, “Ryan, you haven’t said hi to me all day.” The next day was the day he asked me on our first date. We went to a Baseball game, and ended up driving around Seattle for two hours! Ryan took the wrong exit, but we learned how much fun it was to people watch in Seattle. We had fun, drank beer, and went to dinner. After the first date I knew I wanted to continue to see him. Our second date we went to a winery to get to know each other better. After a few hours of opening up to someone who I barely knew, we had our first kiss. It was in that moment I realized I was in love with Ryan. It had only been one week since our first date, and I already loved him. Our third date was when we finally said, “I love you.” Somehow Ryan convinced me to go on a romantic date, and not tell me where we were going. Little did we know, this restaurant we went to was not romantic anymore. There were children screaming, and a huge family sitting right next to us. We were able to laugh it off after a glass of wine, and the worst dessert ever. Ryan shortly after said, “I love you,” I couldn’t stop smiling, and of course said “I love you, too.” Ryan has completely changed my life, and I know I have changed his. We are each others soulmate, teammate, and most importantly best friends. We are so excited for the journey that is ahead of us, and cannot wait to see what the future holds. I can honestly say I have found the love of my life, and will forever be thankful.

To tell the story of our engagement, you need go back a week from this date. I went out to look for a ring knowing I was completely ready to propose to Lauren. I went to four different shops, but by the fifth shop I finally found the perfect ring. The next night was Pat's birthday dinner and I wanted to get his blessing. The opportunity never presented itself plus Pat decided to show off all his handguns. I decided to come back the next day without Lauren, so I could ask for his blessing. Next was picking up the ring and letting my family know that I was about to propose to Lauren. At this point didn't know how I was going to propose since I knew Lauren did not want the standard public setting. I knew the best place to do it was going to be at our apartment. I decided to cook her dinner and get a bottle of her favorite wine. While at the store I noticed they had sour cherry Ring Pop which I always told Lauren if I was going to propose that's what it would be with. At this point, I had nothing other than dinner, wine, and the Ring Pop. I had been telling Lauren that I wanted to plant some herbs and grow them at our apartment, so I decided place the ring box in the middle of the planter with the ring pop inside of it. The plan was set, everything was ready, and I was going to propose that night. Lauren came home from work and I had dinner ready when she got home. I was so nervous that I rushed her into sitting down to eat so that she wouldn't open the blinds and see the planter. We ate dinner and afterwards Lauren went to open the blinds and saw the planter, she proceeded out to see what I had planted. While I waited for her to open the box with the Ring Pop, I grabbed the real ring. She turned around thinking I was just being cute, and I was already on one knee with the real ring in my hands. She had a HUGE smile on her face, and I asked, "Lauren Ashley Murray, will you marry me?" Of course, she said "YES!”