We're getting married!

We met in college, at Texas A&M University. WHOOP! We met through a mutual friend while playing sand volleyball. I (Syd) ended up hanging out with John's group of friends more often and we got much closer. I actually made the first move (shocking, I know), and asked John out after about three months of being friends. John initially rejected this offer and asked that we remain friends (ouch). But less than a month later, around Valentines day, the group went out for some drinks and when they came back, we stayed up playing pool while everyone else went to bed. After way too many hours of playing and talking, John finally leaned over and kissed me. I said something along the lines of "it took you long enough" and the rest is history. COVID hit shortly after we started dating, and we have been together ever since. We now live together in our own home, with our beloved dog and best friend, Fitz. We are beginning the life we have dreamed of, and we can't wait for you to be a part of our special day.

We drove up to Wisconsin with our dog to spend some extended time with her family. After over 600 miles of driving that day, 10 hours stuck in the car, we made it to the Cottage right as the sun was going down. As we unpacked the car I slipped her stepdad the ring from my backpack (I did not want Sydney to see the box in my pocket) and he snuck away to make sure everything was set up. The rest of us went inside, talking, and getting ready for dinner. Then, her mom said she had a surprise to show us outside, but we had to wear blindfolds (I did not wear mine but I did not want Sydney to see the lights and everything as we walked up). Her mom led us "blindfolded" into the woods to the spot. Sydney took off her blindfold to see lights and flowers strung, her family all looking at her, a guy with a camera, and me on a knee beside her and a ring box in my hand. Catching her completely off guard, I say a few sweet things and ask her, "Sydney Knodl, will you marry me?" Shaking, with tears in her eyes, she says yes and embraces me.