Our families have known each other since before either of us were born. We’ve known of each other for a while, but were far apart in school so our paths didn’t cross until we were older. Drew started coming around to our young adults ministry a few months after his brother-in-law took it over, and eventually was guilted into attending a game night by some people in the class. After the first game night he was hooked by my witty quiplash answers. I had my eye on him for a while, and was thrilled he was there. Over the next few months we became closer friends and started talking more one on one, then eventually he asked me out on a drive-in date! We talked the entire time and both knew there was something special right away.

I had planned out the proposal and an engagement party for Friday, May 28. Ashley had figured out it was happening that weekend, but wasn’t sure which day. To make her think it was happening that Saturday, I sent her a fake Texas de Brasil dinner e-coupon (*valid only for Saturday), had her family “accidentally” mention they were busy Saturday night, and had my parents plan a “Family Dinner” for their anniversary on Friday night. While we drove to that "Family Dinner,” everyone texted us saying they were running late. My dad was the only one there when we arrived. He was setting up his camera outside for a family picture. He asked us to stand-in to get the lights right. He ran inside with his camera remote and took pictures while I proposed: I asked – she said “of course!” Afterward, we got dressed up and went to her parents’ house where friends and family were waiting for a surprise engagement party!