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.

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