Over 5 years ago our story began when we met through mutual friends at Ball State University (BSU) while I was visiting on- campus and Jay was attending his freshman year. We knew almost immediately we had a special connection and bonded over our love for music. Throughout the years at BSU we spent most of our time attending on campus musicals, movies, and concerts.

By my second year at BSU our relationship was rock solid so we decided to add a rescued pup to the mix. If anyone has met Miss Mabel you would know that she tests us mentally and physically every day. Her spunk keeps us on our toes but truly we could not imagine our lives without her.

After graduation, I moved to Indianapolis with Mabel. Jay and I started our lives together in our first apartment. Throughout the years we still enjoy spending our free time listening to live music, experiencing new restaurants and bars, and traveling/camping.

On Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 Jay had planned to propose which also happened to be my birthday. Jay is VERY bad at surprises and struggles to keep a secret. He told me that he was going to treat me to dinner for my birthday and that I should wear something nice. As I walked out the door for work, I jokingly said, “Why? Are you planning on proposing tonight?” Then I immediately knew I ruined the entire surprise just by the look Jay gave me. Imagine having to go through an entire day of work after discovering that kind of news.

After work that evening, we went for drinks at one of our favorite downtown brewpubs. I thought every couple of minutes, Okay, this is it! But it didn’t happen there and we went home to get ready for dinner. Once we were ready to leave, I slowed down in our living room thinking This is perfect. He has planned an intimate proposal at home! But it wasn’t happening here either. I asked Jay, “Don’t you have something to do first?” but Jay said no and we left for dinner. I thought Not a problem, our front yard is an even better spot! … And it still didn’t happen. At this point, I dropped all hopes when he didn’t propose in the parking garage or the elevator because, obviously those are the perfect proposal locations. But Jay had a plan this whole time and walked us to one of our favorite spots in the city. He proposed under the street lights in The Circle with a decoy ring because he was too excited to wait for the one he had designed to arrive! Despite the surprise being ruined, we laughed through the entire evening and the night was so perfect and memorable.

This is just one example how perfectly imperfect our lives are together. We can't wait to continue laughing, adventuring, growing, and joking for many years to come.