It will be almost seven years from the day they met online (October 9th, 2013). A simple texting conversation about high schools led to a first date two weeks later at Longhorn Steakhouse, where Lacey ordered chicken fingers instead of a steak (they still make jokes about this). Two more weeks on November 10th, 2013, Jared surprised Lacey with flowers at the door asking to be his girlfriend. It didn't take long for them to realize this relationship was something special. The next four years of their relationship would be spent long distance; 392 miles to be exact. They always told each other that if they were meant to be together, distance would not shake them. Post undergrad Lacey was blessed to be matched to a university much closer to home for her masters program. Knowing that they would be much closer, Jared decided to pop the question on a combined family vacation to Cozumel. They were in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico on a cruise ship where Jared brought Lacey to the top deck of the ship. Jared pulled a red velvet lined clam shell out of his pocket to reveal a diamond ring. Lacey was shook. She actually said "shook". Jared asked if that is a yes, and of course she screamed YES! After realizing what just happened they rejoined the families in the piano bar on the ship. The pianist, Cassidy, asked if she could play one of her songs to celebrate the engagement. Many tears were shed from her beautiful song and they knew then that they would share their first dance as a married couple to that same song. Jared and Lacey have been so blessed with the friends and family who have shared their six and a half years together and they cannot wait to share their special day with you all as well!