Riley and I met over a couple beers on a hot June evening in 2016. Upon reconnecting a short month later, we realized we liked laughing together more than we enjoyed doing so apart. Several months of dating revealed competitiveness as a shared trait, which made sand volleyball nights that much more fun! Riley was still finishing up her senior year of college, and I gladly stuck around to distract her from her "easy" cell physiology class (she still has stress dreams). As we grew to know each other more, it became clear our love for one another was something real. We are so glad to have you to celebrate our love alongside us, and the start of our new life together as a married couple!

Gabe ensured we walked into the new decade on a high-note, proposing to me December 29th on a sunny, Sunday afternoon. The day prior, he'd spent the day working alongside my family at our partially renovated home. Over of a couple of well-deserved margaritas some hours later, Gabe shared with my mom and sister he'd just asked my dad for permission to marry me! There, Gabe & Co. cooked up a plan for a surprise proposal the day following. On Sunday, en route to a post-church "brunch reservation", my mom suggested we stop at the Texas State Capitol, a family favorite. While walking the grounds, I leaned to my sister and jokingly asked if I was being distracted for my engagement, to which she quickly said, "Haha, Riley, no." And just to put it to rest, my mom looked back at me and said, "Riley, you're reading way too much into this." In an instant all my thoughts were minimized, and my suspicion extinguished. We walked the Capitol and on the way out, stopped by the outdoor rotunda. As I stepped through the doors and took a quick spin around the space, I heard a voice I recognized-- my Dad. Surprised, I asked why he was there--"Oh, I just thought I would have lunch with you guys!" he said. Happily, and still oblivious to this perfect "coincidence," I turned to usher us out to lunch, and realized no one was moving. Confused, but not thinking too much of it, I took a couple steps towards the doors when I noticed my mom's eyes glance over my shoulder. I quickly spun around to see Gabe walking towards me. There, surrounded by my parents, sisters, and brother, Gabe asked me to marry him, and I said "Yes!" It was the best day of my entire life!