We first met in 4th grade at Newman Elementary School. Though we were in separate classes for 4th grade, come 5th and 6th we were in the same classes with Mr. Buss and Mrs. Lynch. For our 6th grade science camp trip, all the kids had to do a (short) walk through the woods in the dark. Though I was a little scared, I mostly used this as an excuse to ask Christopher if I could hold his hand as we walked to the end. In junior high, on a dare and in a very nervous and confusing way, I asked Christopher if he would be my boyfriend. He said yes and we technically never broke up.

After junior high we went to separate high schools. Though we were friends on MySpace and Facebook, we didn't talk or engage with each other much. However, in our sophomore year of college, Christopher reached out via Facebook and we began chatting daily. One Friday evening we decided to meet up at The Hat and kept talking until they closed and kicked us out. We didn't start dating right away, but once we did, it only lasted 6 months. For 9 months we didn't talk or see each other. But that's how long Christopher needed to really think about what he wanted and what he had with me.

It was an ordinary Thursday in October. My dad was out of town on a hunting trip, my mother oversees on vacation in Italy, and I had a dentist appointment that day. But Christopher had prepared me a week or so before: "I'd like to get dinner with my sister since her birthday is October 17th." After returning home from my appointment I knew I needed to change into something a little bit nicer than just a mustard-colored t-shirt. But makeup; if you know me, I'm not a huge makeup wearer. Looking at Christopher, I asked "Should I put makeup on?" And give the man credit! His response: "You should do whatever makes you feel pretty." As I was applying my makeup I had the thought: "Is he going to propose tonight at dinner? ...Nah! Not with his sister and her family there. I don't think that's the vibe he would want." Driving over to the restaurant, Christopher let me know he needed to pick up a gift from the McEntire's house first. Turning on to their street, I had my first suspicion: our friend Nick running up the driveway. "What's Nick doing here," I ask. Christopher shrugged his shoulders, "I dunno!" Keeping my suspicions to myself, I kept rattling on about water flossers as we got out of the car and started walking through the side gate--another curious thing. As we rounded the corner into the backyard, I saw our friend Kelly crouched down with her camera pointing right at us. I looked around and my eyes landed on the tree and the little table sitting under it. That's when I knew. From here, things are a blur for me. I don't remember much of the details as I do the feelings. I immediately started tearing up. Christopher started talking about 'us'. I saw our friends in the background. Christopher got down on one knee and I knew I didn't want him kneeling for long. I just wanted to cry from overwhelming happiness and hold on to him. It was a beautiful moment and my heart was bursting. To share that moment with close friends was wonderful and awkward at the same time. I never know what to do with all the attention on me (can't wait for the wedding). It was by far the happiest day!

Corinne and I had discussed marriage prior to the proposal, we both believed it was important to confirm we wished to have that as both of our goals in our relationship. A few months before proposing we went to a local jeweler to design a ring that would be used as her engagement ring. Once a basic idea was sketched up Corinne was cast into the dark and so began my planning. Knowing Corinne was not big on surprises I had to think of something that wouldn't shoot her anxiety up. I got together with Jeff and Linda McEntire (Andy's parents) and set up the spot, their backyard. I then spent a few weeks trying to get ten 30 year olds to get 1 random Thursday off in October. I chose the date as it was around my sister's birthday and was an easy way to throw off her suspicions. While she knew that engagement was in our future I still wanted it to be a surprise. As it began to get close to the engagement day I had found out her dad would be out of town and her mom would be overseas. I did not wish to wait even longer to propose and we proceeded with the planned date. The day of I was a nervous wreck and found out she also had a dentist appointment the same day. Once she returned home she began to get ready for 'dinner' with my sister and asked if she should change into something else and wear make up. I told her that she should wear what she finds comfortable and if make-up made her feel pretty then go for it. While she and I were having this conversation I'm constantly looking at my phone trying to make sure everyone is in place at the McEntires yard. Nick is running behind thanks to the lovely LAX delays and traffic but we've still got time. Decorations are set up in their yard and with 95% of everyone there. Corinne is dressed and ready for dinner. We begin driving over to where I told her dinner would be, but! I have to pick up a present before we get there because of course what is a birthday without a present? As we turn the corner we both notice Nick sprinting up the drive way and my heart stops. He quickly jumps into some bushes to hide himself but Corinne is already curious. I try to brush it off and continue driving the 1/2 block to their house. We proceed to enter through the side gate and as soon as we are through my mind is racing. You can plan as much as you want on what to say but when the moment comes there are no words that show up. She saw the flowers set up and hears a camera, she begins crying immediately and I have to remind myself she isn't sad about this. We walk over to the flowers and ring. I try to say everything I've been feeling and thinking for the last 9 years and maybe 3 lousy sentences come out about God, Love and commitment. Of course she says yes, our friends come out from the side and they cheer along. It was a little messy, it was a little silly but it was everything that we wanted. Having our friends close, and having my best friend say yes was all I needed.

We've been together since 2014 and have had a lot of ups and downs. We were young when we first started dating and have had the privilege of growing, fighting, laughing, mourning, and adventuring together. With God as our foundation, humbleness in our hearts, and desire to always learn about each other, we are excited to say the least to enter into this new chapter together.