It all started when Bryan wrapped his arms around Tyler on a 4-wheeler in the hills of Kentucky. Bryan met Tyler for the first time at a mutual friend's bachelor party. I am a hairstylist with Kelli, Tyler's wife. Kelli being the gem that she is asked Tyler is there were any single fellows for me. That's when all the setting up began. Bryan saw a picture of me & said "she's outta my league!" It took me adding him on facebook over a week after he got my number to motivate him to text me. Our first "blind" date was at Kona Grill on July 5th, 2013. I talked his ear off for over 3 hours, he chimed in occasionally (I know you all can picture this!). It was a slow first month, but after our 4th date, I was hooked. We had dinner together & talked in his truck until 12:30 that night. We talked about Jesus & I could tell he had the most genuine heart. I like to say "I fell in love in the Chipotle parking lot." ;) Bryan asked me to be his girlfriend on August 22.

Well, lets just say Bryan fibbed to me the week before Christmas. "I just don't think I am in a spot to propose just yet, ya know Laken." Bryan & I had peeked at rings all the way back in the summertime. I knew a proposal would still be quite some time, but I had not a clue when. I am a planner, but I wanted a surprise. Those don't go together exactly. Bryan had to trick me. We drove up to Columbia City on Christmas Eve & I was a tiny disappointed there wasn't a ring on my finger. I just wanted to show ALL of my family since I don't see everyone too often!! We went to Grandma Rosie's in the afternoon which is always a treat! Santa even visited us. Once we arrived back to my parents house, Bryan & I opened our gifts from them. The last present included a few lotto tickets. Coincidently, we needed a "diamond" symbol on many of those tickets. I kept yelling "we need diamonds! we need diamonds!" That's when Bryan got nervous he said (AND I COULDN'T TELL)!! Mom then said "Oh wait, here's one more that was in the back!" I thought it was a bit interesting, but I knew I wasn't getting engaged! The present was for "both of us" but I ripped the whole thing open essentially. I thought it was a fancy Debrand's chocolate box, literally. But next thing I knew, Bryan was on one knee & asked me to marry him!! Naturally I said "YES!!! ...but my nails aren't painted" Love him so much for keeping the surprise from me!!! Then we sped to Aunt Rene & Uncle Mark's to show off the BLING! :)