Our story goes back to 2016.. I was at a softball game for a mutual friend and Damon just so happened to be there. We noticed each other but didnt speak. We added each other on social media and kept tabs on each other over the next 3 years; sending awkward Facebook posts to each other.


Then one day, after alllll this time, we were finally planning our first date. On May 12th, 2019, Damon came to my apartment and picked me up for our first date - Braums and a movie. I think we spent the majority of the time talking during the movie, but neither of us cared. He dropped me back off at my apartment at the end of the night and I remember walking upstairs, closing the door and standing there with my back to the door, in awe of how the night had gone. I knew in my heart that it was the start of something amazing.


Since May of 2019, we have made tons of memories that well cherish forever. From going on a road trip to KC to watch a Royals game one month into dating, to seeing Jimmy Buffet live in concert, to getting matching tattoos on a whim in Nashville during an anniversary trip. In May of 2022 we became proud parents to Maverick, the best cat to ever exist - its hard to remember what life was like without him!


We bought a house in December of 2022 - closing day was New Years Eve and we spent it sitting on the bare concrete floors, with a cup of sparkling grape juice... I thought to myself These are the days I never want to forget.


Flash forward to our Proposal Story... at the end of February 2023, I noticed a post that his cousin, Sierra, made on her photography page. The post said something along the lines of Looking for couples to photograph!. Naturally, I reached out to her, as I had been meaning to have her take our pictures for a while. We messaged back and forth, looked at our schedules and eventually came up with March 11th, 2023. Little did I know, the post was made as a trap for me to respond to, and that I had just scheduled my own engagement photoshoot!


We woke up on Saturday March 11th, to a dreary, rainy and chilly morning. We ran some errands and came home to get ready. I had bought a beautiful orange dress and even got him a new shirt to wear, but still didnt think a proposal was happening. We begin to drive to Prairie Grove, hand in hand, and make it to the field the photo shoot is taking place in. We spend about a half-hour in the field taking all sorts of pictures. Sierra eventually winds us back around to a barn where she keeps her horses. Damon takes my hand and leads the way around to the entrance (I might add it had been raining so everything was muddy and I was borrowing Sierras boots that were 2 sizes too small). As we were making our way to the entrance, a frog jumps in front of me, and I have a brief freak out... At this point, Damon is dragging me into the entrance. As I round the corner, Porch Swing Angel begins to play, and I see a neon sign with Will You Marry Me?. He led me onto a carpet surrounded by pictures of our favorite memories and a pedestal with a little purple box on it. At this point, I am already crying and emotional. He drops to one knee and swallows back his own emotion. I compose myself enough to say YES! and we stood there hugging each other in tears.


My dreams were all coming true. I look down to admire the ring he just slipped on my finger, and he tells me that it is his mothers diamond... there goes my composure again. Wow!


We take a few more pictures until Sierra told us she had to go before shes late to another scheduled shoot! I get in the truck and out of the rain while Damon and Riley gather up the decorations. Im immediately Face Timing and texting my closest friends, letting them know it finally happened! Damon gets back in the truck, and we start to head home. I couldnt help but notice that we were going way out of the way of home... After a few minutes, we are in downtown Prairie Grove, and he stops in front of Venue479. He gets out, opens my door and leads me into the venue. To my surprise, him and my parents had planned a surprise engagement party with all of our closest family! Texas fam, Arkansas fam, and friends... I was shocked! Lots of hugs were had and pictures were taken. It was a night I will truly never forget.


We began the wedding planning process toward the end of September 2023, and after we toured The Grand at Willow Springs, our hearts were set. Despite it being completely unfinished (concrete floors, half done construction), we could still envision everything. It was the most beautiful setting in an even more perfect location.


We cant wait to spend the day in our perfect venue, surrounded by our loved ones. Life can take you on some crazy journeys, but at the end of the day the Good Lord has a funny way of working. I am so thankful that our paths crossed, and this beautiful relationship had a chance to bloom into what it is today.


All Our Love,
The Future Byrums