we’re engaged!

There once were two, awkward seventeen year olds. They were casual acquaintances, but got to be better friends in sixth period AP Literature. Now that’s another whole story in itself, but fast forward four years later and here we are.

DRUM ROLL… Michael and I are engaged! 🎉 The past few days have been an absolute whirlwind — overwhelming in the BEST WAYS. It’s been nothing short of amazing to recount God’s faithfulness put on display over the last few days. With friends and family watching from afar, my sweet Michael (now fiancé, WOW) got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife.

Here’s the story of how it happened and how I joyfully, tearfully said “yes.”

Honestly, I’ve been anticipating an engagement for a long time. Michael and I have been dating for four years, so it’s inevitable that some marriage / engagement talk has gone on. Since the beginning, we’ve tried to center our relationship on the Lord and view each other as a future spouse.

Over the last year especially, we talked more about engagement. Obviously there was a good part of me that knew it would come at any time this summer. We were both confident in the Lord that 2020 would be our engagement but Michael did want to keep a lot of it a secret.

I had been antsy and anxious all summer — constantly thinking about when and how he’d propose. (I know, not my best look haha.) I had just been waiting to say “yes” to Michael for nearly all of our dating relationship.

Everything got very real the weekend of the 28th. Unbeknownst to me, Michael had asked my dad for permission to marry me at the beginning of the month. After his resounding approval, he finalized and picked up my ring and began to set up the proposal!

Apparently, he enlisted the help of his family, my family, some of his closest friends and my best friend. He even texted me on Friday night and asked me to block out a few hours on Monday the 31st. This was all a rouse to throw me off the scent, because they all knew I was on high alert. Part of me thought he may propose on Monday, the other part wasn’t sure. So I just continued on through the weekend — bonfire with friends, date night with Michael, my cousin’s baby shower and church.

Finally, Sunday rolled around. We both went to our church services with our families and then I came home. In typical Sunday fashion, I rested with my family and Jesus. There wasn’t anything too out of the ordinary except for later that evening, my best friend Annika and I were planning on taking a hike after dinner.

At that point, I was working overtime to stop thinking about the proposal. Although I say I hate surprises, I did want to be surprised and my overthinking only drove me crazy. So six o’clock rolls around and Annika comes to pick me up from my house to hike.

Earlier in the day she texted me, saying, “Wear some cuter hiking clothes so we can take some pictures, you and I!” I didn’t think much of this — I had my hair curled from church, my makeup still on and I put on some “cuter” clothes. Again, not thinking this would result in anything but good conversation with my bestie.

So fast forward about ten minutes, Annika and I are on our hike. We park and begin walking the normal route, walking behind the most gorgeous water fall. I asked her if she wanted to take the long way around, but she gently suggested going across the bridge (aka the shorter way.)

In the picture, you see Annika and I walking on the trail. I was totally oblivious to the fact that my dear friend and photographer, Keely was at the proposal spot. She was pretending to have a photoshoot with Michael’s best friend as a decoy!

As we walked down the trail and across the bridge, I still had no idea what was going on. We were chatting and even stopped to take a selfie of the two of us. As we rounded the corner, Annika stopped and I turned as I heard a familiar voice say, “Hey there.”

There he was — standing there in a handsome suit jacket, with the biggest smile on his face. It was at that point that I knew what was going down, but I was still shocked to see him. He motioned for me to come through the fence and he led me down a hidden trail. Needless to say, my eyes were beginning to water.

The trail led to a sweet little sand / rock bar, smack dab in front of the beautiful, cascading waterfall. We hopped a few rocks and landed on the sandbar. Before I even got to the hiking spot, Michael and our friends set up numerous Chinese lanterns that outlined the sandbar, perfectly circling us in. When we made it into the circle, Michael faced me, with my hands in his. I remember wondering if this was actually real — if after four years, this was actually it.

On bended knee, he said a beautiful, short, yet sweet sentiment and finally popped the question.

Through tears, I exclaimed, "Yes" probably three times. I remember attacking him with hugs and kisses right away — forgetting about the ring for a few minutes. We were both teary — laughing joyfully. That’s when I heard screaming and cheering from the upper trail and I saw my family and Michael’s family. It was such a sweet opportunity, having our own intimate moment but also being surrounded by family and friends.

With the help of our families and dearest friends, Michael was able to surprise me and propose the way he had dreamed of. It was simply perfect and so us. I jokingly told Michael he could have proposed at a gas station and I would have said yes — but it was beautiful to surrender and see him put so much love into it.

Months leading up to August 30th, Michael would tell me how excited he was to propose. He would express how much he wanted to surprise me — how important it was to him. Looking back on that day, I can see God’s faithfulness and provision written all over it.

I can see God’s peace covering Michael as he nervously prepared. I can see God’s peace and joy covering our family and friends — feelings and promises only given when it’s a union He approves of. I can see God’s faithfulness and strength, orchestrating the timing of our engagement. His name is written all over it.

And I know Michael and I would both tell you that we’re so glad God went with HIS timing and HIS way instead of ours. It is always immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Now here’s to planning a forever! Tonight (Wednesday, 9/2/20), we start our first wedding planning party. Would you pray for us? Please pray that God would be glorified our engagement, wedding planning and marriage. Please pray that we would find peace and throw off stress — especially during this crazy time in our world. Lord willing, we hope to have our wedding in February or March 2021!

Follow along on Instagram for behind the scenes and more pictures of that special day! (And a closeup of the ring.) Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every ounce of love. For every message, comment, like, squeal and “congratulations” for this amazing new step. We feel overwhelmed with love and want you to know it never goes unnoticed. Thank you for being a part of our story and thank you for continuing on with us! We LOVE you.