Here is a quick version of Alex and I's story- as quick as you can sum up the last 10- 20 years...

We like to say our story began when we were both very young. From ages 2 to 10, Alex and I would see each other and occasionally interact. However, the real story of our friendship started in 2009 when Alex and I were attending the same elementary school. We shared a bus, a math class, and a recess time- naturally, a friendship blossomed! Every summer from that point on was spent together. My older sister, Lauren, was Alex's nanny so we spent many pancake Fridays and sticky-bun Tuesdays together. We distinctly remember hosting car washes for Riley hospital and piling water balloons on the trampoline. From age 10-15, Alex and I became best friends.

Middle school led us to high school, where we both eventually admitted that we were crushing. We started dating in April of our freshman year. We experienced school dances, getting our licenses, unified track meets, our first jobs, high school graduation, and so many more memories together!

We both made our individual college choices, lucking out that IU was both of our top picks. At IU, we each navigated our own journeys, continuing to love and support one another along the way. We made incredible memories during those 4 years and built a support system within one another.

Since college, Alex and I have grown so much- as individuals and in our partnership. We have been blessed to go through the last 9 years together as an official couple, but still value the years we spent building a strong friendship. Alex and I have shared some incredible memories over the last 15 years! We have been blessed with so many supportive relationships with friends and family. We are so excited to include you all in a day that's been a decade in the making!

The proposal...

On October 14th, 2023 Alex asked me to marry him! He gifted me a tour of Oliver Winery for my birthday the month prior. Alex had planned every detail of this day out. He started the day making me a nice breakfast- and doing his best not be suspicious! At the winery, we went on a small group tour of the grounds. Along several stops, we learned all about Oliver and tasted a variety of their wines. After the tour, Alex suggested we go on a walk around the water. When we reached a corner, Alex stopped me and got down on one knee- not only popping the question I had been so eager to hear, but expressing his desire to continue growing our love for one another through marriage. After a much needed hug and kiss, Alex pointed to a photographer in the trees documenting the whole thing!

While his planning could have ended there, Alex took it a step further to ensure I felt even more loved and special!

Following the proposal, Alex told me we were meeting with my parents downtown. Slowly, that turned into us meeting both sets of parent and all our siblings. To my surprise, we walked into an entire surprise party of family and friends there to support and celebrate us! It really was the most incredible day, and I am so thankful to Alex and those who helped pull it off!