The Perry-Clarks

We met working in freshman housing (or as you fellow anteaters remember...Mesa Court! Zot Zot Zot*). Rachelle instantly had a crush on Spencer. For several weeks, she believed she was laying on all the moves and gave it her best flirting...but alas...Spencer just thought she was "being really nice". Rachelle finally decided to move on and of course, the day she did, Spencer asked her out. From college dating to nearly five years of long distance to quarantining together—we've done it all. Next adventure: Marriage!! *Zot Zot Zot: the supposed ferocious sound an anteater makes

After purchasing the ring and making dinner reservations at our favorite Italian restaurant, Spencer was ready to pop the big question. Racing home from work, he tried to play it cool. Enter Rachelle. She was excited Spencer would be home soon and she just got her nails done (they were about to go to Hawaii...she had an inkling he would propose on their vacation). Spencer called on his way home from work and insisted they go out to dinner that night. She then had an overwhelming feeling...what if it happens TONIGHT. But Spencer came home from work and was clearly exhausted. There was no way it was happening tonight! So Rachelle relaxed and was looking forward to their dinner date. Good work Spencer! Who is the real actor in this relationship?? At dinner she may have caught him staring at her adoringly a few times, but he was playing it pretty darn cool. He had all the arrangements ready: when the waiter brought out the tiramisu there would be chocolate lettering reading: "Will You Marry Me". He would say "Dessert is the direct line to your heart, but you are the direct line to mine. Will you Marry Me?" *Swoon* But....that's not what happened. The Tiramisu arrived and, though it looked delicious, they forgot the writing! Spencer knew he had to think fast, but before he could improvise Rachelle had already finished the dessert. Classic! In an attempt to salvage the proposal, Spencer prepared to get down on one knee when the restaurant erupted into song. Apparently it's an Italian tradition for their patrons to all sing 'Ciao Bella' and enthusiastically swing their napkins above their heads. Very fun! But not so romantic. Time for plan C. As they left the restaurant Spencer suggested a walk to the park—brilliant! Their favorite neighborhood spot!—but Rachelle said she was too cold and would rather go home. The ring was burning a hole in his pocket. Spencer, being quick on his feet, said "Ok! Let's look at the Christmas lights on the way home!" As they admired the twinkling lights, Spencer began to get down on one knee. Since he had jokingly done this for at least 4 months leading up to this moment (including earlier that day when they were in line for an urgent care) Rachelle told him to quit joking around. But Spencer wasn't joking. It was for real. Rachelle blacked out, screamed, and took the ring from him. After telling her she had to wait and retrieving the ring, Spencer finally made his romantic proposal surrounded by Christmas lights in the neighborhood they love. People around them cheered and the newly engaged couple couldn't be happier! It was the perfect proposal. Well done Spencer, well done. We are so excited to celebrate this next chapter of our lives with you. See you in Paso!