All throughout our childhood, we knew about each other. We attended the same elementary, middle, and high schools.

It wasn't until our high school years that we really got to know each other. We never actually had any classes together but we had the same friend circle and that kept us pretty close.

Now, Tyler and I have gone on a decent amount of mini-dates such as cruizing through PetSmart and other stores or going out for lunch.

Our first actual date was going on a walk at Montissippi Park. We started off on the paved trail around the park, observing the wildlife and overall just enjoying nature.

We did stray off the path a few times, looking at various mushrooms that grew from the trees or to look at caterpillars.

After that, we went down towards the river and found a picnic table. I had put together a small picnic and we ate lunch.

The COVID pandemic was hard on everyone - especially when the stay-at-home orders were put in place.

During the middle of the first wave, after school had been finished online (which was crazy to think about), I was invited to Tyler's house to help with yardwork. Romantic, right?

His family has a farm and I absolutely adored all of it. I went over there a few times a week to help out. At the time, they had a few chickens and three baby goats. I did anything from collecting eggs to building a goat house. The longer I stayed, the better it got.

After four sweet years together, we got engaged!

Tyler has been planning something special since the beginning of May, 2022. He wanted everything to be perfect. Once August rolled around, it was time to put his plan into action.

On August 28th, Tyler took me on a special date. He said he had something super special planned but I couldn't see it yet. We hopped in the car and he drove me around town. Our first two stops were shops where he said I could pick out anything I wanted and he would get it for me. Next, he took me out to brunch at a cute local cafe. It was wonderful!

The last place we went to was a park we had visited on our very first date. We got out and started our walk down the trails. After a short while of walking, we stopped to look at something interesting. After I was done looking, I turned around and there he was, down on his knee with a pretty little ring in a fancy-schmancy box. I'm pretty sure you know the rest.