We met at work! More specifically, the Gainseville location of 4Rivers Smokehouse while in college. Tyler was a junior at the University of Florida and I [Brittany] was a sophomore at Santa Fe State college. We were just friends for about a year before we started talking for a while. We drifted apart for a bit, but I knew my heart was with him. So I asked Tyler out in April. We started studying for finals in the library together every night. After going out a couple nights, we realized that we only wanted to hang out with each other. Within a few weeks I didn’t want to seem clingy but I wanted to know where Tyler was at! My roommate [and bridesmaid Stephanie] made it clear to Ty what he had to do. Tyler offically asked me to be his girlfriend on May the Fourth [Be With You] 2018. We have been inseperable ever since!

Tyler and I had gone to see the “Night of a Million Lights” at Give Kids the World Village in early December. We didn’t have much time to enjoy it that night due to another event. About a week later, he texted me saying to not make plans on December 23rd because we were going back a second time as an "early Christmas present". I was so excited! That night we had dinner at the Ale House (our standard date night spot so that I wouldn't suspect anything) and headed back to GKTW. Tyler was acting a bit fidgety and really wanted a photo under a certain gazebo. I was oblivious and just figured he really wanted a picture. We got to this gazebo and Tyler was very particular about asking this one lady to take our picture. She was busy talking to someone else so I suggested we come back later, but he insisted on waiting for her. When she finally turned, Tyler handed her his phone and guided me into the gazebo. He suggested I take off my mask for the picture. I’m not one to break rules but I figured one picture couldn't hurt. When I turned to look at him, Tyler was down on one knee and I immediately blacked out. Mouth covered with both hands, stumbling backward, I began to sob. I can’t remember what he said but I know I stammered yes. And to make it even more perfect, the woman taking the picture (she actually got a video!) worked there, and Tyler had been in cahoots with her for weeks! AND he had an undercover photographer (who happens to be my sorority Big Sister and bridesmaid) there to photograph the whole thing! It was so perfect! I cried for about five minutes straight. I am still so proud he was able to pull off that surprise so well. I had NO IDEA!!!!