It was the end of November and Vito and Steph had come to visit for "my birthday". My mom, Steph, Elizabeth, Kaitlin, and I had put together a plan to tell Meaghan that we were having a surprise birthday party for me, but it was actually an engagement party for the both of us. The women planned most of this party, so all I had to do was get there without blowing the secret, which isn't an easy task for me.

The night prior, I had Meaghan over to hang out with Vito, Kyle, and I and have a bonfire in my backyard. We were all having a good time, sharing stories, playing games, and Meaghan walked into the house to get a beer. I followed her in there and said to her after a few beverages myself, "Meg, you're acting weird, it feels like you're hiding something from me." Almost instantly, she starts crying because she's trying to keep me off the scent of my "birthday party". Little did she know, I knew they were fake tears, but I admired her acting abilities and dedication to keeping the secret.

That night after Meaghan had left, I stayed up and tried to put my thoughts onto paper about what I wanted to say before I got down on a knee. I'm not one to be overly sappy and sentimental, but I felt like I had some good stuff written down before I attempted to lay down and get some sleep. The key word was attempted...I didn't sleep at all. I tossed and turned replaying the moment in my head, and before I knew it, my alarm was going off.

I like to joke a lot, but I'm not kidding when I say I had to shower twice and brushed my teeth three times before I left the house because I was so nervous. I walked downstairs to hungover Kyle and Vito asking me "Are you nervous bro?" "Do you have the ring?" Thanks boys...

It was finally time to pick up Meaghan. I pulled up to her apartment, and I remember the way the light was hitting her, she looked like she was glowing. She got in the truck and looked at me, and I've never seen her eyes so blue. For a second, I had a moment of clarity where I thought to myself, "This is what I've been praying for." Then almost instantly, I went back to being nervous and sweating.

It was about an hour drive to my parents house, so all I had to do was make it through the drive and I was good. Poor Meg had no idea what was going on. She could tell I was on edge, I wasn't saying much and I was extremely fidgety. It was a pretty chilly day, and I told Meaghan I was hungover so I needed to blast the A/C at 65 degrees even though I was just trying not to sweat through my jacket.

My mom had called to ask us to pick something up behind the clubhouse, she said it was something big so both Meaghan and I would need to go. In actuality, Steph had set up the spot with roses, candles, and champagne so it would be ready for when we got there. I'm not sure if we wanted it to look nice, or we just did that so I wouldn't forget where to go, nonetheless thank you Stoophy :)

Finally, we get there. The gum I had been chewing was pretty much dust, my hands were shaking, but I knew I had to play it cool so Meaghan wouldn't be suspicious. We're walking over to the back corner of the patio behind the clubhouse, and Meaghan is starting to put together what's happening. I grab her hands, look her in the eyes and say verbatim, "Meaghan, I stayed up last night writing out what I wanted to say in this exact moment....I completely forgot what I wrote down..." So romantic and heartfelt....

I've played in a lot of big games, presented in front of large groups of people, but that was the most nerve wracking morning of my life. (Until the wedding). I got down on my knee for about half a second, put the ring on her hand, and the photographer said it was too quick so we had to do it again. There was also a driving range and putting green behind us, and we got a couple claps and cheers which I thought was pretty funny.

Thank you again to my mom, Steph, Elizabeth, Kaitlin, Kaitlin, and Lizzy for setting up the room, and putting together a great party for Meaghan and I. Being able to share that moment with our friends and family was amazing, and we're extremely blessed to have such great people in our lives. Can't wait until 12/11!

Travel

Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center