We met in high school when our friend groups started to join together Sophomore year at Harrison. Whether it was at Football Friday tailgates, school dances, hang outs in the commons before classes, and nearly all weekend activities, we were there together with our friends. The friendship (and a crush) really bloomed when Evan walked me to my Child Development class every day on the way to hisclass. The summer after Sophomore year was the true beginning of Evan and I as the multitude of swimming parties at my house, bonfires in my backyard, and movie nights at Alex Krauss' house, we were always together. Through many long summer days spent together, Evan and I grew closer and closer. When the beginning Junior Year rolled around, we were such great friends that I wasn't sure I wanted to date. That changed when I wore a new outfit to school and Evan was the first person to compliment and notice. In Physics class, I commented how I was stressed and would love some chocolate, Evan stopped by the store before school the next day and I found a chocolate bar on my desk the next morning. Evan joined the girls basketball scout team where I was a rising Varsity player. We guarded each other quite often and in all the competitiveness, I couldn't help but smile around him. On November 7, 2011, after a tiring basketball practice, in the middle of a one-on-one pre-calculus study session, Evan asked me to be his girlfriend and the rest is history..

The Saturday morning started early with what I thought was a quick breakfast at Christo's with Emily (Evan's sister) and her boyfriend, Max and then spending the day at the Apple Popcorn Festival in Brookston, IN. When we pulled up to Christo's, he asked if I trusted him and of course, I said yes. He then told me that he loved me, to trust him that he will see me later in the day, and to enjoy the day. Confused I walked into Christo's, without Evan, to join Max and Emily for Breakfast. After an hour or so, Emily notified me that my next ride was here to pick me up. My best friend from college and freshman year roommate, Erin, was there to pick me up to take me shopping. We had a budget and a few things to get: new dress and new heels. After a few hours of shopping, Erin and I walked into Dicks Sporting Goods to find Sally (Evan's mom) and Katie (Evan's sister) to take me out for lunch. After eating one of the best, most anxious lunches at the East End Grill, Randy (Evan's dad) picked me up to drive to the south side of town. We walked into Monster Mini Golf, a place Evan and I have been on a few dates before, to find my dad waiting for us. After a fun round of golf with my dad and soon to be, Father in Law, we traveled to the East side of Lafayette to meet my mom for a manicure. After changing into my new outfit and a relaxing manicure with my mom, Zach Hurd (Evan's high school friend and current Circle Pines roommate) pulled up in the parking lot. Zach drove me to the most memorable spot of the day... the proposal spot. As I walked around the corner of the Horticulture building, there was Evan, waiting for me under the awning of flowers and surrounded by abundance of beautiful colors. Evan got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. After saying YES, I realized that his two best friends were taking photos of every second of this beautiful moment. The rest of the night we spent at home with our two families, celebrating the engagement, and dreaming of the future.