We met at a get-together with a small group of college friends and instantly knew we would be a part of each other's lives. We were the best of friends and it always felt like we could be ourselves whenever we hung out. About six months went by and he told me he had feelings for me but I told him I just wanted to be friends! I couldn't see my life without him and was scared I could lose him even though I most definitely reciprocated those feelings. The summer after our freshman year he again asked me if we could ever be something and I finally answered yes. After a year of close friendship, we decided that we felt something deeper and couldn't deny the fact that we both wanted a relationship. After I came back to Abilene for my second year at university, we began dating and the rest is history...

He had the whole thing planned months before. After many attempts to figure out his plan, he was able to swiftly keep it a secret and create a beautiful proposal with our family present. We were hosting Thanksgiving and had all of our family in Texas. An event that Abilene hosts every year called Winter Lightfest is something that we went to as a tradition and wanted to show the Colorado clan. It had beautiful Christmas lights to start out the season along with fun activities along the way. It felt like everyone was waiting for something as we went through and saw the lights. My heart beat faster as we were nearing the end and our group became really quiet. I suddenly felt like I was alone and everyone was behind me. Once my mom asked to hold Zoe I knew it was about to happen. As Nick and I waited our turn for a 'picture', he took his hat off and grew quiet. That's when I knew for sure. He picked a beautiful spot on a lit-up bench where we took our picture and as we stood up, he said "I know a good picture we could take", and got down on one knee. Of course, I began freaking out and crying as he was shaking and everyone was around us. I responded with an astounding yes, and all those around us cheered! It was a wonderful night and we got to celebrate afterward.