We’re getting married!

Jake and I were two days in to a vacation in Gulf Shores with Jake’s whole family. After a day of relaxing on the beach, Jake’s sister Rachel suggested we go to a bar before dinner, so we all started getting cleaned up to go out. Once I finished getting ready, I met Jake downstairs and he asked to take a walk down the beach while we waited for everyone else. As we were walking, I kept complaining that I wanted to go back because I wasn’t feeling the best (I had caught a stomach bug the night before) - but Jake insisted that we kept walking and Rachel would text us when everyone was ready to leave. We turned around to head back to the house after about 10 minutes. As we neared the house, I noticed an arch that was sitting in the middle of the beach - I couldn’t tell if it was in ours or the neighbor’s backyard, so I asked Jake what he thought it was. Once we got closer, I watched all of his family pile out of the house onto the decks. I looked at Jake and asked “Are you going to propose?” … his response was “I guess you’ll have to find out.” His proposal was incredibly sweet. After his speech, he reached towards his back pocket for the ring. Fun fact: it took him 17 seconds to get the ring out of his pocket 😂 but it felt like it all happened in an instant. His whole family started cheering, and I started walking back towards the house to celebrate with everyone. As I was walking, Jake said “Your mom is right behind you” and that’s when I saw my mom coming towards me from the side of the house. It was an amazing surprise to have her there in that moment. The thoughtfulness that Jake put into the proposal and my ring (which he designed himself) is a testament to what a special man he is. I am so grateful for that memory that he created for us ❤️