Our story began with a simple Facebook friend request. Robert reached out after his friend, Ethan, mentioned we had so much in common. After accepting his request, Robert sent me a message, and though I hesitated for a day, my friend Mandy encouraged me to take a chance and respond.

We spent the next couple of days texting, getting to know each other, before Robert asked me to join him for ice cream at Dairy Cream one evening at 9PM. He picked me up, and we sat in his truck, talking like we’d known each other forever. The ice cream hardly mattered – we were so captivated by each other’s company.

Just two days later, we went to Cannova’s. It was that night, that we both knew – this was the beginning of forever.

Our engagement was the ultimate surprise especially since I told Robert he would never be able to surprise me. After we got back from our trip to Cancun, Robert got to work planning, with a little help from his mom and my brother's girlfriend, Ryan. On December 21st, we were supposed to go see Christmas lights in Rockford, and I had my heart set on eating at Texas Roadhouse afterward. But then, that morning, my brother texted asking if we could swing by Cork&Tap for drinks and dinner. I wasn’t too keen on it, but Robert insisted we go.

Later that day, I went shopping with my best friend, Kaitlyn, and she kept nudging me to make sure my nails were done before we went to see the lights. I thought she was just being extra, so I kept insisting that I didn’t think Robert was planning anything big that night.

I was, of course, totally wrong.

We went to Nicholas Conservatory to see the lights, and it was freezing—like, 5 degrees. I was rocking 3-inch heels on icy sidewalks, and of course, I complained about it the whole time. Robert was acting a little... strange, though, letting other people cut ahead of us to take pictures. I thought, "Oh, he’s just being polite," until he took me to a spot “for a picture.” Next thing I know, he’s on one knee asking me to marry him. I obviously said yes—much to the delight of strangers and Kaleb, who was behind us capturing the whole moment.

Afterward, I was dying to call my friends and family, so I immediately called Kaitlyn and my mom. Then we headed to Cork&Tap, and when we reached the table where my brother and Ryan were sitting, I showed them my shiny new ring. Robert almost blew the next surprise, but, luckily, I was too busy staring at the sparkler to catch on.

The bartender came over and casually mentioned an art gallery upstairs, and suddenly, everyone was grabbing my stuff and ushering me upstairs. As I was climbing the stairs, I noticed one of Robert's friends sitting at the top, and I thought, "What a coincidence!" Then, I saw Robert's parents and my parents. That’s when it clicked—it was an engagement party! We had an amazing night celebrating with family and friends, and I’m still shocked Robert was able to surprise me completely.