Following Brad's December college graduation, we were unsure of when we would be able to see each other next. We were both spending Christmas with our families that no longer both lived in Fleming Island. Little did I know, Brad had already begun planning a trip to start working on his proposal idea. Despite already being in town for a couple of days, Brad surprised me at my parents house just in time for New Years and I could not have been more excited to see him.

On January 2^nd, I woke up thinking I was getting ready for a nice lunch with Brad. I went to get ready and I found a sweet note from him with some new outfit choices laid out for me. I ended up going with one of the dresses and after I was ready I went to look for Brad. Shortly after realizing Brad was not there, my best friend Lindsay showed up and said I was to come with her. Of course she did not tell me what was going on, but that we were going to meet Brad. As we kept driving and driving my curiosity increased. I did not understand why we were driving towards the beaches in January.

After finally arriving at Little Talbot Island State Park beach Lindsay parked the car and informed me that we were going for a walk on the beach. After slightly protesting because it was a bit chilly, we began to walk on the beach. After a while we came across the first of many signs, which read "A Love Story" and my heart began racing. We continued to walk as I read our numerous relationship milestones from the past 5 years together. Then, standing off in the distance, in a heart made out of rose petals was Brad. I tried my best not to cry and began walking towards him now completely sure of what was about to happen. He then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him (well he actually had a really sweet speech memorized which of course I sadly do not remember). To no surprise, I said yes and at that moment my brother, sister, our fabulous friend and photographer Emily, and best friends Lindsay and Julie popped out from the sand dunes behind us. It really was the perfect moment and I was so grateful that he had thought to include the people closest to me.

Brad and I are incredibly excited to spend the rest of our lives together, and are so blessed to have the love and support of our loved ones.

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