We’re getting married!

John and I met and had our first date on Valentine’s Day two years ago. I remember thinking to myself when he asked me out for the fourteenth, “Does he realize that it’s Valentine’s Day?” John and I both experienced love at first sight when he came to pick me up and we locked eyes for the first time in my apartment parking garage. He took me to eat in Victory Park in Downtown Dallas. We had an instant connection and talked for three hours straight until we were the last two people remaining in the restaurant. Our waiter actually turned off the lights on us, prompting us to leave. If he had not done that, we would’ve sat there all night talking. We both knew immediately that it was divine intervention and God had brought us together as a part of his greater plan. We knew we were going to get married.

John told me a few weeks prior to the propsal that we had dinner reservations with his family at Del Frisco’s at Southlake Town Square on the 23rd. Little did I know that both of our families were in on the secret. We spent that day bowling with my family before dinner. When the evening rolled around, John hinted that his family was dressing up for dinner so I chose a sequin skirt and heels to wear. Thankfully, John knows me well and knew I’d want to be dressed up for the big moment. When we got to the square, John parked far away from the restaurant in front of some shops. At the time, I didn’t think it was strange. I just figured he wanted to take a stroll around and look at all the pretty Christmas lights before dinner. We walked to the center of the square in front of the giant Christmas tree and John wrapped his arm around me and said, “Let’s take a minute and look at the tree.” I suddenly felt someone behind me and turned around to see a woman holding a camera behind us. I turned back to face John and made the comment, “that lady has a camera.” Funny enough, my first thought when I saw her with the camera wasnt that she was there for our benefit. I figured she was just taking pictures of locals around the square during Christmas time. John suddenly reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out a beautiful red ring box. Then it hit me! He said, “Anna Elizabeth Dudley, I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. On this same night 30 years ago, your parents got engaged.” He then pointed up at the top of the building in front of us that had a street camera and told me that our parents were watching the live feed as he proposed to me. I answered the easiest question of my life and said YES! When we got to the restaurant, both of our families were there to greet us with a champagne toast. I was truly surprised! It was a perfect and sentimental proposal.

We understand that this is a particularly uncertain time for everyone and safety is our first priority. Our wedding venue has assured us that all COVID-19 related protocols, as ordered by the Governor of Texas Greg Abbott and Tarrant county, will be followed. Masks are not required in the chapel, though we will be providing them for anyone who would like one. If you or someone in your home does not feel well in the weeks (or days!) leading up to the wedding, or if you simply don't feel comfortable attending, please do not hesitate to reach out to us and let us know. We want everyone to do what is best for them, and we understand that might mean celebrating from afar! All our love, Anna and John