Richard and Aidan met in 2013 on their first day of seventh grade at Midway Middle School when their science teacher assigned them to sit at the same lab pod. Throughout the semester, Richard developed feelings for Aidan, who would not-so-secretly steal glances at Richard when she thought he wasn’t looking. They soon began texting back and forth, and by the time they started high school, their friend groups had merged, and the two were learning more about one another’s passions and dreams for the future. When Aidan turned 16, she was “officially” allowed to date (thanks, Mom and Dad), and thus began the dating era. Graciously, the Lord provided Aidan and Richard with many different academic, social, and church-related opportunities in high school and led them both to Baylor University in 2019, with Aidan studying Human Resource Management & Spanish and Richard studying Computer Science. As they navigated college, the pair began speaking more seriously about the future and God’s will for their lives. Surrounded by support from their church community, roommates, and family, Aidan and Richard grew as individuals while building their Christ-centered relationship. During their senior year at Baylor, Aidan and Richard both accepted jobs in the DFW area. Richard is at a management and technology consulting firm as a software engineer, and Aidan is a Human Resources Management Trainee at BNSF Railway. Little did those 12-year-olds in 2013 know that in 2023 they would be married!

Once Richard received the blessing of Aidan's parents in January 2022, he began secretly planning the proposal. Richard knew how much Oregon meant to Aidan and how much it would mean to her to be there with her family, so he decided to fly up and surprise her while she was on a family trip there in July. Over the next six months, the plan was covertly put together, though not without a few close calls where Aidan almost discovered the secret! On July 22, a few days after Aidan had arrived in Oregon, Richard secretly flew up to Portland with his family. The following morning, the Dougherty family went to take family photos in the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in Portland. However, the photographer was actually the engagement photographer that Richard had secretly hired. At long last the months of planning came to fruition- Richard surprised Aidan in the garden and proposed. After the proposal, the newly engaged couple took engagement photos and went on a date in the city. They then held an engagement party with both of their families and many of Aidan's extended family members. To finish the joyful day, Richard gave Aidan a video journal that he had created and maintained throughout the 6 months, recording all of the special moments that had to be kept secret from her until then, such as asking her parents for their blessing or picking out the engagement ring. We are incredibly grateful for our families and to all who helped pull off such a memorable and special proposal!