When I say I have had a crush on Seth since 4th grade- I'm not kidding. I have diary entries to prove it. You can also ask half of my family how many times they heard about "those blue eyes" for years before him and I started dating.

It was the summer of Sophomore year when I casually asked Seth and a few of his friends to join me at the Miami County Fair, because I had some extra tickets. By the end of the evening, Seth and I got a picture taken of us two with the fish he had won at the fair. That night, he texted to ask me for the picture and honestly, the rest is history.

Our first official date was at the Piqua Movie Theatre. I got to choose the movie and I had no idea at this point that Seth was not a fan of horror movies. Well of course, I picked the scariest movie showing that weekend. I thought his hand was so sweaty because he was nervous to hold mine, but in hind-sight, I think it was because he may have been terrified of the movie (lol).

Our relationship grew exponentially throughout the college years as we went our separate ways to school, but stayed in the same state. With only about 75 miles between us, we were able to grow as individuals during our time apart, but also see each other on the weekends to grow as a couple. This time in our relationship led to spiritual, emotional, and physical growth for us both. Our dates included many Pacers and Colts games. We share a love for Skyline chili, anything sports related, and competing with each other in literally all areas of life. We are both so close to graduating and becoming Registered Nurses, and plan to use our faith and knowledge to serve patients for the rest of our lives.

Thank you for being apart of our journey. We appreciate all of the support, prayers and warm wishes. We can't wait for the next steps towards our wedding day and the rest of our lives together.

When I woke up on Tuesday morning, the 18th of August, I was under the impression that Seth & I were merely going to get coffee in the morning. Though this is how we started the day, little did I know that within the next 6 hours- we would end up in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Shortly after coffee, we switched cars to "run errands". When I got into Seth's car, I literally jumped out of my seat in shock because my best friend, Anna and her boyfriend, Blake were in the backseat. I knew something was up. My phone & apple watch were taken from me and no one would answer any of my questions (I was getting frustrated). I at first suspected we might be doing something in Cincinnati for the day, as Seth merged onto I-75 South. When we crossed under the "Welcome to Kentucky" interstate sign, I definitely got more suspicious (and agitate). I hate admitting I was such a brat for the entire 5.5 hour car ride ahead. I am a classic control freak and HATE surprises. I finally got so tired of pouting and complaining, I fell asleep. When I woke up, we were in northern Tennessee. I was finally given my phone back and the first thing I did was text my mom- "What is going on? Did you know about this? Did you pack me a bag?". She totally threw me off course when she said she did indeed know about the trip and packed me a bag, but the surprise was just for fun and would never end in a proposal because apparently Seth had not asked my dad for his blessing yet (I was upset at this point).

When we finally arrived in Pigeon Forge, I pulled Anna aside and asked her what the heck this surprise trip was for if it wasn't going to end in a proposal. She calmly let me know that Seth just wanted to do something fun and special for me because according to her- he felt bad he didn't have the ring yet or a plan for a future proposal in place. At this point, I was convinced this trip was purely for fun and I would not be returning to Ohio with a ring on my finger (still upset). But then, Seth took me down to the spa at the resort we had just checked into. He had set up a nail appointment for me. Once I was left alone with the nail technician, I called my mom and told her if there wasn't a proposal coming up, this would be the worst prank EVER. She stuck with her story that Seth hadn't asked my dad for the blessing, and therefore there could be no possible way this trip involved a proposal. I was SO confused.

After the nail appointment, I went up to the room to meet back up with Seth, Anna and Blake to get ready for dinner. I asked everyone what they were going to wear and they all said athletic clothes. I was so dejected, thinking if they would be dressed up, I would have a chance at being proposed to. I never saw the boys leave for dinner or what clothes they were in because I was in the bathroom getting ready, but Anna told me they wanted to put our names on the waiting because the restaurant looked busy. Like a true best friend, Anna wore something cute "for fun" and encouraged me to do the same. Her and I then headed down to dinner, only to go straight back to the room as Seth is calling me to tell me to look for his "lost wallet". Seth never misplaces anything so I thought this was so strange.

After searching the room up and down to no avail, I tell Anna we should just head down to dinner anyways. Seth meets us by the elevator door and finally says Blake found his wallet (this was all a distraction for the proposal spot to get set up). As Seth, Anna and I walked to dinner, the light-up, musical fountain was playing Brett Eldredge's "Love Someone"- which we had heard played live at our first concert together. I didn't know if this was a coincidence or not, but my suspicions were answered when we turned the corner and I saw our names in chalk, covered in rose petals, surrounded by candles and the words "Marry Me" in lights. This is when my eyes fell out of my head and my jaw dropped. After the roller coaster of emotions I felt that day, this was the strongest one. I looked at Seth as if to say- "No way this is happening right now", and he smiled and led me by hand to the middle of the rose petal circle and hugged me. He then told me some extremely sweet things and ended with the question- "Will you marry me?", as he got down on one knee. Of course the answer was yes and he put the PERFECT diamond ring on my shaking hand. The crowd of people who had accumulated started to cheer for us and we kissed in celebration. One of my favorite moments was looking over at Anna, who at this point was sobbing (we are the same person). Seth and I then had some professional photos taken of us and then we headed to dinner. I was way too anxious and excited at this point to eat. I then made all of the phone calls to family and friends. My mom knew the whole time and yes- Seth did indeed ask for my dad's blessing the week before.

I couldn't have been more happy with the way the proposal turned out. It was the most perfect surprise for the girl who hates surprises. I cannot wait to marry Seth and have a lifetime of surprises with him by my side.