Luke and I have known each other since middle school when his mom would call me Miss Swagger in the hallway at school. We were in band together in high school where Luke made up the “Oliviaaaa” song (ask him about it). We were both shy and didn’t talk much until college. However, we always had mutual friends, so that made connecting much easier. After a party or two, a late night group swim at LBL, and a nascar race at Luke’s apartment, we were inseparable. His family took me in immediately- they even took me along on vacation before we were officially dating! My parents also approved of Luke very early on, particularly my mom. She always sang his praises and I have always carefully considered her opinions. I don’t think myself, Luke, or our parents could have made a better match!

The day after we both graduated college, us and our families woke up at 3am to catch our flight out west to Las Vegas. From there, we drove up to southern Utah. The first official day of the vacation, we drove to Bryce Canyon National Park and hiked a beautiful hike through the canyon. Luke waited until someone had a camera pointed at us and a landmark we could come back to (a beautiful pine tree) and he got on his knee and gave me the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen! Afterwards, a storm came and we all got soaked from the rain and sleet. Best day ever!!!