IT'S PARTY TIME

Kevin and I met in September of 2015 during our senior year at Indiana University (read: Roy's patio post-boats). After one or seven water long islands, I decided to make my move. I very gracefully and quietly interrupted his conversation and after some get-to-know-you questions, we were surprised that our paths hadn't crossed before. Rival high schools, neighboring suburbs, tons of mutual friends, and living on the same streets throughout our entire college careers, but somehow we were just meeting then. I like to think that we were making up for lost time, but we became inseparable after that first conversation. Kevin asked me to be his girlfriend two weeks later - fast forward 6.5 years, and here we are!! Living in Chicago with a dog and a ring and a really big party planned for August 13th :)

In late 2020 Emily and I had new years plans to go up to Emily's family cabin in St. Germain, WI with her whole family. It clicked that it would be the perfect place to propose as "The Cabin" is an area that is special to both of us. I also knew that Emily wanted an engagement that would be surrounded by family and friends after it happened. Another thing I knew Emily insisted on is that I get her mother's blessing before I propose. I asked Mary to meet me for lunch around September of 2020 and got her blessing. Due to covid the wish of being surrounded by friends got deterred a bit, but I was sure to tell all of Emily's friends that I was going to propose so they would be ready to call her after it was done. On the day after New Year's Day 2021, we had made plans to take pictures on the frozen lake with the guise of it being for Emily's cousin Sarah's wedding party. After the girls took the photos, I suggested that Emily and I take a picture together, and that is when I proposed. Emily initially said "no!" in a state of shock, but quickly said yes after (so I think that technically counts as a yes, but tbd). Her follow up response was that her Mom didn't know I was proposing, to which we had to break the news that she did and she lied to Emily the whole time. While this was happening, those who were not outside for the photos started to come outside including my family and Emily's friend Billie who was in the area as a surprise to Emily. We celebrated the whole rest of the day and into the night while taking phone calls and facetimes from friends we wish could have been there. It couldn't have gone smoother and I'm still forever indebted to everyone who helped me out with putting the plan together.