Dillon: Maddie and I got engaged on December 17th, 2022 - the Saturday before Christmas. The day had been planned for nearly 3 months and the plan was bulletproof.

Early on, I convinced Maddie that my family was going to celebrate an early Christmas at this beautiful farm out in Augusta, MO. She thought nothing of it. Leading up to that Saturday, there were a ton of moving parts to ensure the day would remain a total surprise - things like wrapping Christmas presents for my family even though we were not opening presents until actual Christmas, inviting most our family and friends to drive out to a farm in Augusta without Maddie knowing, and hiring a photographer to take family photos so that me and Maddie were all dressed up.

On that Saturday once 4pm rolled around, it was time for the big surprise. I was tasked with one objective: buy 15 minutes of time. The reason? We had to sneak our family and friends into the house without Maddie knowing. The house had this incredible wine cellar in the basement that was a perfect getaway for 15 minutes so we headed down there. Well, we tried to head down there...

Maddie: Dill and I were having a blast at Sunflower Hill Farm with his family. It all seemed like a normal Saturday until we were done taking family photos and everyone was getting "set up for dinner."

Within seconds, everyone seemed to be very distracted and quiet. I thought it was weird but brushed it off. I decided to head over to the family room and watch the football game that was on the TV. The Vikings were making an insane comeback so of course I was invested in watching the game (you can thank Dillon for my forced obsession with football). Dillon asked if I wanted to go down to the wine cellar but all I cared about was watching the crazy comeback. After several minutes of convincing, we headed downstairs.

Dillon: I finally got Maddie in the wine cellar after dragging her away from a football game (low-key very proud). The 15 minute countdown has begun. I have never been more nervous and it was so blatantly obvious. I couldn't hold a conversation, tried opening a bottle of wine and ultimately broke the cork, and couldn't get the speaker to work. Maddie even said, "Dillon, you seem super off.. are you okay?" I told her I wasn’t feeling good (which was true) and continued to buy time.

After receiving the text that everybody was inside the house, I told Maddie I had a surprise outside. After answering question after question on why we needed to step outside in 25 degree weather, I walked her outside on the patio which overlooked the winery and dropped down on one knee. The moment was absolutely perfect.

Maddie: When Dillon told me he had an early Christmas surprise waiting for me waiting outside, I was so caught off guard. I had no idea what it could be and I thought Dillon somehow coordinated for our dog, Samson, to come to the farm to spend the weekend with us. When I stepped outside, Samson definitely wasn't out there and I was speechless. It was the most beautiful proposal set-up - rose petals, candles/lanterns, and a beautiful view. I remember asking Dillon "Is this real? Is this really happening?"

Dillon: Little did she know, I had one more surprise. We walked up the stairs to the house and walked into a room with most of our family and friends. Watching Maddie hug everybody with tears in her eyes was one of my favorite moments of the entire night.

M + D: The rest of the night consisted of incredible food and wine, plenty of laughs, and so much joy. This was easily one of the best days of our entire lives. We are so grateful that everything went to plan and we couldn't ask for better family and friends to celebrate with!

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