Describe how Mac asked you to marry him.

We had agreed that shortly after my graduation from my master's program in May 2024, we would take the next step and get engaged. I would return home from College Station to join Mac in Houston, marking the ideal moment to begin our journey together. After seven wonderful years together, anticipation had been building for our engagement. We began searching for the perfect engagement ring in the summer of 2023—Mac, knowing my discerning taste, wanted it to be just right. He took his time to save up, planning to propose the following year.

However, our plans took an unexpected turn as my beloved Nana's health declined, making me realize my time with her was more limited than we had thought. Mac understood how much my relationship with Nana meant to me and gladly sped up our engagement plans. Even though she wouldn't be able to attend our wedding, she would still be a part of one of the most significant moments of my life. This gesture of his deepened my respect and love for him immensely. His willingness to make my dream possible and to do something so important to me showed me his unwavering dedication to making me feel supported and loved.

We found the perfect ring together, and Mac made sure it was everything I had ever imagined. As the weeks passed, I started feeling anxious that the proposal might not happen in time. I also remember jokingly asking my friends to "nudge him along," unaware that Mac was already planning the surprise of a lifetime.

Since I knew the ring was ready, I became suspicious of every outing and dinner date, expecting the proposal at any moment. I remember prodding Mac, attempting to get details about his plan, and every time I'll never forget the smile he couldn't hide as he tried to hide his true plans. When my best friend Rebecca suggested we get our nails done before visiting my Nana and Grandad in Austin, Texas, I could hardly contain my excitement. During our trip, Mac arranged a "special brunch" downtown, and his nervous energy only heightening my anticipation. As we drove to a hotel and he led me to the top floor, I knew the moment was approaching. We stepped onto a stunning balcony overlooking the Austin skyline, and with that same smile he couldn't hide, Mac got down on one knee. Overwhelmed with joy, I can't recall his exact words, but they were perfect.

As our friends Emily and Isabel appeared to capture the moment, I thought it couldn't get any better. Little did I know, Mac had more surprises in store. While I had anticipated the proposal, I was utterly surprised by every detail of the day. We were greeted by my entire family and closest friends at a downtown beer garden, followed by a night at a house Mac had rented for us all to celebrate our engagement. The entire day was a dream come true, and having my family there meant everything to me.

What do you love most about Mac?

With countless reasons that make him the ideal person to share my life with, I find it challenging to articulate my feelings perfectly. What I do know is that he makes me feel deeply supported, loved in ways that defy expression, and anchored by his reassuring presence. As someone who can be a bit high-strung in our relationship, he has an innate sense of when to bring laughter, when to offer tenderness, calming my anxieties. Above all, he is wholeheartedly committed to giving me everything I could ever want and goes to great lengths to ensure my happiness.

Describe how you asked Kyndall to marry you.

For the proposal, I knew I wanted to celebrate this incredible milestone surrounded by family and friends. I chose Austin, TX as the perfect location since it was close to Kyndall's grandparents, especially her Grandma, with whom she shared a very special bond. I was thrilled to include her in this momentous occasion. I spent hours researching and searching for the ideal spot to propose. After countless Google searches and reviewing countless ratings, I decided on Otopia Rooftop Bar. From the photos, it seemed like the perfect place to capture this special moment. I immediately contacted the manager to book it.

In the weeks leading up to the proposal, my nerves were on edge. I wanted every detail to be flawless, but having never seen the rooftop bar in person made me even more anxious. I frequently called and emailed the manager to confirm everything was in order. Despite his assurances, I continued to double-check just to be sure. Two days before the proposal, the reality of it all hit me hard. I was constantly checking the weather in Austin, coordinating with Kyndall's friends Isabell and Emily on the best ways to capture the moment, and obsessively making sure the ring was safe. If I could have installed a security camera on the safe holding the ring, I would have. As the proposal approached, my anxiety grew. I wanted everything to be perfect for Kyndall because, after seven years of dating, she has always been perfect to me.

The night before, I sent Emily and Isabell the address and arrival time for what felt like the 9th time, called the hotel manager for the 19th time, and checked the ring’s safety for what felt like the 1,500th time. The plan was for Kyndall and me to "grab brunch," unaware of the surprise awaiting her.

As we entered the hotel lobby, I was relieved to find that the front desk was prepared for our arrival, especially since Kyndall needed to use the restroom before heading up. The front desk handed me the key to the rooftop bar with a knowing nod.

As the elevator doors opened, the excitement surged through me. When we stepped out onto the rooftop, the stunning cityscape of Austin unfolded before us, with all details and decor beautifully arranged by Isabell and Emily. We followed the rose petals to a picturesque backdrop, where I got down on one knee and asked Kyndall to marry me. After she said yes, we celebrated this amazing moment with our loved ones.

What do you love most about Kyndall?

I deeply admire Kyndall's remarkable ability to always know just what will make me laugh. Our senses of humor are perfectly in sync, and that shared connection brings me immense joy. Life can throw its challenges, but having a supportive and vibrant partner like Kyndall makes it easy to focus on the positives. She cares for me in every possible way, from guiding me through tough decisions, making my lunch to make it to work on time, and by simply lifting my spirits when I need it most. I love her wholeheartedly and aspire to give her the life she deserves, filled with love, joy, and adventure alongside Harley and me.