We’re Getting Married!

It was Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. After pulling a double at the Gainesville restaurant I worked at, I was exhausted. Nevertheless, my college girlfriends (cough...Ellie) dragged me out with them to one of our favorite bars, Cantina 101. I wasn't there very long when I noticed Ryan, who was completely preoccupied with watching the NBA playoffs. Eventually, though, he started chatting with my girlfriends. I knew this was my chance to swoop in, inserted myself into the group, and quickly introduced myself. We had a great time chatting, and I somehow managed to keep his attention off of the basketball game long enough for him to ask for my phone number. The next day, he texted me (very atypical college boy behavior) and asked if I wanted to go out that night. I was unsure and nervous...would it be an awkward first date where I didn't have my girlfriends to save me if something went awry? But a thorough search on facebook confirmed he was cute, had a nice looking family, and had fun hobbies (baseball and anything sports-related, traveling, and nice cars), so how bad could it be? We went out, and I had a great time hearing about his family, their fun travels, his plans to join KPMG, etc. I also learned that Ryan would be moving back home in 2 weeks to study for the CPA exam and then to start at KPMG in the fall. And I had a couple more months left in Gainesville before I moved to Tallahassee to start law school at FSU. Not the best recipe for a long-term relationship. But we didn't worry about that. Instead, the next 2 weeks were filled with dinner dates, flowers, dancing at Ryan's favorite line-dancing joint, and cooking together. Ryan and I lived in different cities for the next 3 years, but he never ceased to find ways to surprise me, shower me with love, and support me through those 3 long years of law school. He has kept that streak going for over 6 years now. We are so excited to tie the knot, and start a new chapter together as Mr. and Mrs. Alexander

We went to back to Ponte Vedra for Easter Weekend. Since all 5 of the siblings were in the same city for the weekend (a rare occasion these days), my mom insisted on having us go to the beach Saturday morning for family pictures. Of course, I took way too long to get ready, and everyone was nagging for me to hurry up (little did I know, I was interfering with their scheduled plans). I was posing with my brothers, gazing towards the ocean, when Drew pushed on my shoulder to turn me around to see Ryan on a knee. A quick glance revealed that his parents had snuck down to the beach too! There was shock, smiles, laughs, tears, and, of course, I said Yes! We celebrated all day long with a private brunch, drinks at Casa Marina (our reception venue), and dinner at Caps on the water. We are so looking forward to continuing the celebration with you!