Save the Date

I first met Brandon at our mutual friend's birthday party in July 2012, I was unaware at the time that he told our friend that he thought I was pretty and wanted to ask me to dance but was intimidated to ask me. I was confused because that same night our friend was encouraging me to dance with him but I was caught off guard because it would have been my first slow dance with a boy. We kept running into each other that same year on and off seeing each other at birthday parties and the Koroneburg Renaissance Fair. In 2013, Brandon and I became friends and had many fun hangouts with our friends JoJo and Aubrey going to the OC fair, Renaissance Fair, Dos Logos, and late-night trips to Denny's. Brandon made it clear that he liked me by scooting next to me at restaurants and making flirtatious comments. I smiled or laughed it off but secretly was flattered by his advances. I was a terrified Christian homeschooler who had never had a boyfriend before so I would reply "Sorry, I don't feel ready for a relationship right now, and to my surprise he would reply "I can wait, just let me know when you're ready." It wasn't until a Big Bear trip with friends that my feelings for him grew. He told our mutual friend JoJo that he was thinking he wouldn't be able to make it on the trip and I was instantly bummed and encouraged him to come. I was always attracted to Brandon's intelligence, friendliness, and eagerness to help others and I got to witness more of these great qualities on the trip. Brandon and I took a private walk around Big Bear and got to share many genuine conversations regarding our faith, upbringing, and interests, such as our love for Disneyland. Having someone with the same faith and interests as me was so important to me and Brandon kept checking off all the boxes on what I was seeking in a relationship. It was on that walk in Big Bear that I knew he was the one for me. We went on several dates that I referred to as "Pre-dates," cheesy I know and it was on January 21st 2014 at the Orange Circle where he asked me to be his girlfriend. January 21st will forever remain my favorite date because it was the day I said yes to my favorite person.

Planning a surprise proposal for someone who doesn't like surprises is like navigating through a maze of uncertainty. But amidst those challenges, there's a profound sense of certainty that anchors everything – the unwavering belief that this person is your perfect match. From the moment I first laid eyes on her, I knew Lauren was the one. It wasn't just a fleeting feeling; it was a deep knowing that whispered to my heart. And as time passed, that certainty only grew stronger, like a steady flame illuminating the path ahead. So when it came time to ask her the most important question of my life, I wanted it to be more than just a moment – I wanted it to be pure magic. And what better place to weave that enchantment than at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida? Our day unfolded like a dream, filled with laughter, adventure, and the kind of love that wraps around you like a warm embrace. We rode thrilling rides, savored exotic flavors in E.P.C.O.T., and created memories that sparkled like the stars above. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over everything, I felt a nervous excitement bubbling within me. At 7 PM, I was instructed to rendezvous with a Cast Member who held the key to making this night unforgettable. With a touch of deception, I led Lauren to believe we were headed to another restaurant in the Italy Pavilion. Little did she know, a world of wonder awaited her just around the corner. When we arrived at the secluded location, surrounded by loved ones and draped in secrecy, my heart danced with anticipation. Under the guise of winning a special prize, we were granted a private viewing area for the spectacular show, Harmonious. Then, in a moment that felt suspended in time, I knelt before her, my hands trembling with emotion. With every word, I poured out my love, my hopes, and my dreams for our future together. And as I asked her to be my wife, the world seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for her answer. And then she said yes. As the first notes of the show filled the air, washing over us like a gentle wave, I knew that this was just the beginning of our happily ever after. In that moment, surrounded by the magic of Disney and the love of our family, everything felt perfect – a fitting conclusion to our fairytale day in E.P.C.O.T., and the beginning of a lifetime of love and adventure.