I first met Ryan at my Florida State University Freshman Orientation. He was my orientation leader. Every student in my group (affectionately named "Ryan's Rockin' Robins") had brought their parents, but I felt confident enough to go on my own (as I grew up around FSU and my mom was a Nole). So that being said, Ryan and I got to know a lot about each other as he kept me company as the only solo attendee during lunches at Suwanee, etc. During orientation at some point I got lost on Landis Green and had to call him, so the running joke now is that I called him first. However, we were both in relationships at the time but maintained contact for the next couple of years. For my first two years at FSU, we would run into each other on campus, I would text him if I didn't know how to get somewhere, he would ask me about finding my place in a church or campus ministry. Eventually, both our previous relationships had ended and one day he invited me to church. That summer and fall we fell in love going to FSU football games together, the FSU circus, the FSU Rez, the fair, the beach, and even cycling to and then swimming in Westcott Fountain. Our adventures have only continued since.

So I LOVE surprises, and boy did Ryan Mazon surprise me on August 31, 2018. We were at my parent's house for the weekend on Ochlockonee Bay (where I grew up). Our close family friend Debbie was visiting as well and we were all told to dress up and that we were going out to eat. Then all of a sudden "plans changed" and we were going to eat at home, but Debbie still wanted a family picture. Ryan suggests he and I go outside while we wait for everyone to finish getting ready. I remember being hangry because I get excited about going out to eat. Arms crossed and all I start to walk outside with him. I ask him if I should put my hair halfway up because I decided not to do anything with it once I found out plans changed. He replied, "no, I like it down, it reminds me of when we first met." With all my sass I responded, "How would you remember what my hair looked like?" He continued to be nostalgic and reminisced about the first time I brought him to the bay and how we kayaked across it. I still hadn't caught on until... he pulled out a journal with a robin on the front of it. Starting on Thanksgiving (our dating anniversary) I had written in it every day for a year, all the reasons why I am thankful for him. I wrote about the good days, the bad days, and everything in between. The last few pages were blank and I had noted in it a year prior, the last few pages are for you ;) He said "today reminds me of something you wrote in the journal". He flips to the back and starts to read to me. It was his proposal. I was in complete awe and shock. He got on one knee and pulled out the ring. I turned and saw my parents running out of the house (he had surprised them as well), and my sisters were close by sneaking photos. I remember my hands were trembling and my eyes were glassy and I said "Of course!"