Let’s take it back a few weeks prior to December 1st, 2023. My dad sent a text in our family group message of an email he received from work offering free tickets to the Christmas lights at Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

I suggested the date December 1st because it was one of the only nights I had off work. Being a huge planner, Driver knew he had to let me pick the date or else I would of been onto him. Looking forward to a fun family night, I was disappointed with everyone’s excuses for not being able to join. As planned, it worked out to have a double date with my sister, Carmen, and her boyfriend, Mason. I didn’t think anything of it because I didn’t expect Driver to take the easy way out with dad’s free work tickets for such a monumental night. Turns out, the email was fake and all a set up to fool me…and it worked! About an hour before we were leaving, Carmen canceled on us with a believable excuse of an important audition for Mason (lie).

At this point, I got a little suspicious but everyone’s excuses seemed legit so I decided not to get my hopes up. I vividly remember riding in the car to the lights and it was misting rain, which normally I would of been worried it would ruin our plans but this was different. I felt peace. I heard the Lord tell me, “Madison, I am not confirming you are getting engaged tonight - but these feelings and peace you feel right now is real. Don’t try to shut down your feelings to avoid being disappointed, but feel them and be present because these are real and this is what I have had waiting for you.”

After arriving at the park, we were walking through a beautiful area of lights when Driver started talking to me about our future together. At the PERFECT moment, he got down on one knee and proposed! A moment I will remember forever! We could not stop smiling! Afterwards, we had drinks at a restaurant in the park to soak it all in before going to Carmen’s house, where our families were anxiously awaiting! Many tears, smiles, and celebratory drinks were had! Driver planned an absolute dream night! One I will never forget!

If you’ve gotten to this point in the story, thank you for reading, and we are so happy to have you as part of our growing story as well. December 20th can’t come fast enough!

- Driver and Madison

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