We're getting married!

We were “set up” at a birthday party back in 7th grade. There Riley stood dressed in his best UNC “Tar Heels” gear and Mak in her PINK sweatshirt. We were so nervous just to look at each other! We spent the next couple years having “supervised visits” and going to G-rated movies on group dates. Finally in 10th grade we were allowed to go on our first true date, just the 2 of us! We had attended two different high schools in which these years were spent supporting each other in soccer at White River HS and basketball at Sumner HS. After high school, Riley played basketball for Linfield and Mak was accepted into the Nursing program there as well. Again, we were at 2 different campus’ but our love only grew stronger. Who would have guessed that 9 years later we would be saying “I Do!” We know it’s cliche to say, "I am marrying my best friend," but this is truly how we feel.

Let's set the stage: 1. Everyone had been wanting it to happen for quite some time. 2. Mak knew it would happen sometime soon, but not exactly when. This is how it all went down: In Washington, it was the most beautiful 60 degree day possible during the month of October. Riley woke up feeling more blessed than ever before. He picked up Mak and they went on a hike to start the day. (Mak loves going on hikes). Driving home from the hike, Riley would hint that Mak needed to shower when they got back to her house. Sure enough, they got to the house and Mak went to shower. Riley frantically ran upstairs to her brother's bathroom and takes an quick 45 second shower (GROSS!). Riley laid a dress, rose, and note on Mak's bed before taking off to the proposal destination. Mak got out of the shower, walked into her room, realized what was happening, and yells, "I took off my makeup and didn't shave my legs!!" (Mak was completely surprised). While Mak got ready, Riley was on the Outer Island near Mak's house, setting up a path of jars with one rose in each of them for each year they had been dating. Side note: Riley had nearly two hours to set up while Mak took forever to get ready. Talk about having time to be anxious!! Riley made friends with about 30 people who were walking around the trail that day. Most of whom stayed to watch the proposal and cheer from afar. Mak's sister, Maddie, "escorted" her to meet Riley. One of their favorite Dan & Shay songs, "Speechless" was playing as Mak arrived. The proposal began. Mak said, "YES"... and our lives changed forever! :) Fast forward a few months later - Mak was trying on wedding dresses and that very same Dan & Shay song came on at the studio. At that moment, she knew it was the one. We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you. See you in August!