When announcing to friends and family with a picture of the ring on my hand in front of the Christmas tree, the first thing people would say would be different forms of “congratulations” and always followed with “is that a Christmas tree?!” We promise, the tree has not been up all year! Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. In the heat of summer, I found myself longing for the magical feeling of the Christmas season and knowing we didn’t have any plans scheduled for the following weekend, I asked Luke if we could have Christmas in July for a weekend. I came home after work that Tuesday and when I went to change, Luke told me, “Just be careful opening the door.” I immediately started asking him what he did to it, expecting something to be blocking the door, but I was blown away to see our Christmas tree completely decorated, lights and all, set up behind our door. Our stockings were hung, our wreath that would normally be on our front door for the Christmas season was hanging on our closet door and fans and air conditioning were turned up full blast to ensure it felt like winter. I was thrilled to say the least to realize our Christmas in July was starting earlier than I thought and we would get to spend a few extra days celebrating! Then a speaker set up by the tree began playing “Simple” by Florida Georgia Line, which has always been the song that Luke and I felt perfectly defined our relationship. Somehow still clueless, the realization hadn’t set in until Luke told me “It wouldn’t be Christmas without a gift.” That’s when he got down on one knee with our beloved dog, Georgie, by his side, and we began planning our future together! We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you!