On December 1, 2012 Lindsey attended her first sorority formal. Later that evening, her friends decided to prolong the night and attend one of the classiest late night establishments at Drake University-The Dublin. At Drake, young wild kids typically find themselves wanting to extend their weekend evenings even longer, so they move the party to an even classier establishment-the Forest Ave. McDonalds. While waiting in line for her food, Lindsey was approached by a nice young man who said, “My friend wants to talk to you, but he’s kind of shy!” *the friend was Karl* Lindsey replied, “Well he’ll have to come talk to me himself then.” Karl went on to offer Lindsey his plain cheeseburger since her food was taking a long time, but she said no because it was too plain. Fast forward to the next semester, and Karl decided to register for an Elementary Education course even though that was not his major. Karl and Lindsey saved a seat for each other every single day. This was all cute, but Karl and Lindsey truly became best friends the following summer. Karl dragged Lindsey to super hero movies and made her dinner. Lindsey convinced Karl to go on adventures like Grays Lake and the Greek Festival. Pretty soon, the two grew inseparable. The two made secret plans for their future, where they might live, their dogs, and of course their plans to start basketball and after-school programs. Life began to feel kind of like a fairy tale with each other by their side.

I have been asked countless times if the proposal was a complete surprise. Here is my official answer: after four years of dating, nothing is a complete surprise! We had talked about marriage many times, and I had a fairly specific ring style in mind. By May of 2018, I had chosen my exact stone, placement, and setting through a naturally sourced engagement boutique that I found online. From there, it was up to Karl to decide when and where the big question would take place. July 21st was one of those days you wish you could just freeze. It was sunny and warm with a light breeze. I remember Karl popping off the couch and saying, "Let's go take pictures in the Rose Garden at the Art Center!" He was so excited and really who can resist when their man plans a spontaneous date? Of course, I questioned him and asked who was going to take the pictures. He said he had bought a tri-pod to hold his phone. How convenient. We strolled a few steps in the rose garden before Karl made us stop for "pictures." I was turned around trying to pull through my hair when I looked back only to find Karl down on one knee. His big eyes getting really shiny at this point. The best part is that Karl told a half truth, and instead of photos, we now have the entire engagement on video. As soon as I said, "YES" and gathered my composure, I had my own surprise for Karl. I always knew that I wanted to give him some sort of gift during our proposal. I feel strongly that an engagement is two people pledging themselves to each other. The day that I had shown Karl the ring I designed, I also purchased two bracelets with a small opal stone. The opal is known to the Greeks as the stone of precious change. It starts as gray rock, and turns to a gorgeous shimmering gem only by rain. I carried these bracelets with me for two months so that I could be prepared. We are just two kids who happened to fall in love and realize that marriage, like most beautiful things in life, may also endure rain. #MAD