I feel bad, because while Taylor was probably freaking out all weekend, I was relaxing and not suspecting anything. My friend (a regular nail salon goer), texted me during the week of the proposal, asking me to get my nails done with her. I didn't think much of it at all, because she had been trying to get me to get my nails done with her multiple times before. This time, I caved and got my nails done the day before the proposal. I later found out that Taylor told her to text me, so that my nails would look all nice and pretty. The next morning, I woke up and got ready for church. I was feeling lazier than usual, with regard to putting effort into my outfit/appearance... afterall, I thought it was just another normal day. My sister, Erin, offered to braid my hair before we left for church, which I thought was a little weird, but once again, didn't think much of it. We made it to church, and Taylor intermittently would complain about stomach pains. After we took communion, he pulled me aside and told me to follow him outside. I willingly followed, because I was worried it had something to do with his stomach pains (he had faked it in case I put up a fight not wanting to miss the end of church). At the bottom of the stairwell, he made me take off my denim jacket (Erin told him it would ruin the photos), and I became suspicious... Taylor stood me on a spot on the pavement, took both my hands and asked me to make him the happiest man alive. He got down on one knee and pulled out a little box from his back pocket (sneaky sneaky), and revealed the most beautiful ring ever. It was such a perfect moment, until I realized there was a random lady standing next to us taking photos of us on her iphone... Just kidding, it was still such a perfect, unforgettable, amazing moment!

I honestly didn’t expect to be so nervous that Sunday morning. I had talked with Erin often about proposing to her sister. I knew Sharon’s answer and expected to have the clarity of mind to produce a well-crafted speech. That didn’t quite happen, but it was perfect. Erin and I had brainstormed locations several times, until Erin said, “Somewhere like the courtyard at church would be perfect.” It seemed such an appropriate place for us. I just needed to figure out the timing…and everything else. The timing proved to be very simple. As the courtyard at church was fitting for us, it became clear that during church was the right time. I was nervous to ask our pastor if this was okay, but I was delighted by his support of the idea. Sunday, September 16th, we went to church as usual, but I was so fearful of the ring box in my pocket being hard to miss. It was tough to focus on the teaching with such a pivotal moment in our lives just around the corner. The nerves were building. After communion, I took Sharon’s hand, walked her downstairs, and led her outside. She didn’t put up much of a fight, but I was prepared with a fake stomach ache, just in case. I’m delighted to know she didn’t suspect a thing, until the moment we stepped outside. I led her to the mark on the ground left by our secret photographers (thanks team!) and stopped her there. I took a deep breath to get rid of the nerves and asked for her hand in marriage. I forgot my well-crafted speech. But that’s okay; it was a perfect moment when she said yes. We have some amazing loved ones. We are so thankful and joyful for the help they provided in giving us a wonderful proposal and celebration. And we are so very excited for the love and fun they will bring to our wedding and the never-ending support they will provide for us in our marriage.