We’re getting married!

Sterling and I met my freshman year at Texas Tech. He was already 2 years into his Petroleum Engineering degree and had a well established presence within his fraternity and degree program. I on the other hand, was learning to branch out and make friends. My roommate Erin and I were invited by a few of our guy friends to a Halloween party put on by a fraternity they were interested in rushing. It was there I met Sterling for the first time, dressed as a Leprechaun (he hoped I wouldn’t put that in the story, lol). I remember his outfit clearly: green hat, green vest, green shorts, green fake mustache, green TIGHTS, and a cauldron of gold coins. Just my type! My first impression of Sterling: he was goofy, funny, had lots of friends, and was (still is!) verrrrry cute. After that party, I had no idea if we’d see each other again. But the next evening, I received a text from him, asking me out on a date. He picked me up in his notorious Jeep (I was so excited to ride shotgun in that thing!). He took me to Abuelo’s, and if you know Sterling, you wouldn’t be surprised that we finished eating in less than an hour! Sterling and I have been together ever since that first date, almost 7 years now. I can’t imagine sharing life’s ups and downs with anyone else and I can't wait to be married to my best friend!

We had been together nearly five years, enduring four years of college together and another working in the North Houston area. When I asked Anna’s Dad, George, for his blessing, I already knew exactly how I wanted to propose. The plan was going to be easy. Anna assumed I couldn’t keep a secret (because in reality, I rarely can); but this time would be different. Only our parents and a couple close friends knew the plan: to propose on Easter while we visited Anna’s family in Dallas. We made arrangements for an Easter family photoshoot with George being the mastermind – or so Anna thought. She was all for it. Of course, a family photoshoot! Madeline (Bean), Anna’s niece, had been born in January, and they needed official photos with the “whole family”. What better day than Easter Sunday to get all dressed up (color coordinated at Anna’s request) and document the stage of life we were in? Spending Easter with her family had become the norm. Anna would not suspect a thing! Easter weekend finally arrived. George and I had been in constant communication on the logistics of it all. I had hired a local photographer, who was aware of our plan, and she recommended a nearby park with lush greenery and a trickling creek. George and I went and scouted the park on Saturday, claiming to be making a run to the liquor store (an absolutely believable excuse). It was everything I could do to keep my nerves at bay. I was so anxious that Anna would pick up on my plan, but thankfully she never questioned a thing.

Sunday: the most nerve-racking day of my life. It was almost painful, sitting through that 7 am Easter service. Breakfast at home was next, then everyone would change into their coordinating outfits for photos. If I could just make it through the next couple hours...I was so nervous! We finally made it to the park. George and I had to be sneaky as he passed me the ring, safe in its box. Photos began with the typical family set ups. Anna, Lizzy, Abby. Then George, Andrea, Anna, Lizzy, Abby, and Bean. Then Anna and me; the time had finally come. We posed together, our legs dangling over the edge of a rock formation, the stream gurgling below. The ring box was in my back pocket, digging into my rear I might add! We stood for the next set of photos, and Anna looked around for what the best backdrop would be. As her back was turned, I knelt to one knee. When she turned back around and saw me there, I was able to squeak out “Anna Gump, will you marry me?”. The tears started flowing instantly. She was shocked, overjoyed, and she said YES. I was totally relieved! The ring looked beautiful on her hand. She cried happy tears, her parents beamed with pride, and her sisters squealed with delight. Our plan had worked, and it was finally over. I didn’t have to hold onto that huge secret anymore. And best of all, Anna said yes. That day was without a doubt one of the best days of my life. I am thankful for George and Andrea’s support, as well as the encouragement of my parents. I can’t wait to begin the next chapter of our lives together, as husband and wife.