#FinalLee!

​It was important to Aaron that the proposal was a surprise. He diligently took clues from Maddie about what kind of ring she wanted, and picked it out all on his own. He never told her when or if he was buying a ring or proposing... He then coordinated with friends and family to surprise her in March of 2022, while on a hike through Cheaha State Park. He had Maddie's family fly into Birmingham the night before, and with the help of a good friend, Lela, had them all meet up near the proposal site together. A separate group of friends and fellow cyclists, whom Aaron and Maddie ride with from time to time, picked Aaron and Maddie up for the "hike." Aaron's good friend Aldrin was communicating with Lela on the whereabouts of the hiking group. As Aaron led the group to the Bald Rock overlook in Cheaha State Park, Lela led the family down the same trail a few minutes behind. There was a photographer that Aaron had hired who, unbeknownst to Maddie, was stationed along the trail snapping photos of the events unfolding. When they finally reached the proposal site, the friends in the hiking group walked down different parts of the trail to "explore the area" as Aaron sat with Maddie on one of the rocks overlooking the valley below. Aldrin gave Aaron a subtle cue when the family group arrived. Aaron and Maddie stood up and gazed over the valley below one last time as an unengaged couple. While admiring the view, Maddie's older sister, Laurie, called out to her saying, "Oh hey, Mads!" When Maddie turned around, she was shocked to see all of her family and all of Aaron's family gathered around her. While distracted, Aaron got down on one knee and pulled out the ring. As the photographer moved in, Maddie turned back around to question Aaron about what was going on and was met with an outstretched glistening ring and a tearful future husband. After an outcry of joy and happiness and taking a moment to soak in what was going on, Maddie made Aaron the happiest man on earth. ​