“Everyone told me our wedding day would go by fast but I could have never imagined how fast the day would fly by, especially since I had been waiting for nearly 11 years! Ryan and I met at work in early 2005. He was hesitant at first to hang out with his co-worker but after my persistence and persuasion I finally made it happen. We quickly connected and starting hanging out more frequently. At the end of 2005 his job was being transferred to San Angelo, Texas and I decided to take a leap of faith and move with him. Fast forward 10 years and about 6 moves to different cities and states later he finally popped the question. I knew a proposal was coming because we went together to pick out the ring 6 months earlier but I didn’t know when or how elaborate his surprise proposal would be. It was Sunday, April 5th and Easter. I thought for sure he would have taken the opportunity to propose on our 10 year anniversary on April 1st but that didn’t happen because he had bigger plans. Ryan coordinated having my entire family from out of town and friends at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens on Easter Sunday for what I thought was an Easter egg hunt for my nieces. He had all my friends and family in on the secret so anytime I would talk to anyone about my suspicions of him proposing another story line would be made up to throw me off. It worked, I was completely surprised. I think he also planned nearly rear ending someone on the way to the botanical gardens to throw me off even more! When we got to the gardens my family distracted me by taking me to different spots to take pictures and I was none the wiser. My family lead me to another area for what I was told was to get better pictures but as I turn the corner I saw Ryan standing in front of Easter eggs that spelled out Marry Me! I was so surprised and don’t remember at all what he said but I said yes! Just a short 9 months later and we were walking down the aisle. I was very nervous about having a January wedding in Texas, you never really know if you’ll have ice storms or beautiful weather, but we were definitely blessed with an amazing sunny day. The most memorable part of the wedding was our first look. Ryan and I were unsure we wanted to have a first look but then decided it would be a special moment that the two of us could share together. The anticipation leading up to the first look still gives me butterflies to this day when I think about it and looking back at the picture allows us to cherish that moment in time. I’m pretty sure this was a favorite moment for both of our moms as well. They were both eagerly watching through the venue doors and cried when they saw Ryan’s reaction. Another favorite memory was our sweetheart dance. All the guests exited the venue to prepare for the sparkler send off allowing Ryan and I have to have one last dance together. I cried happy tears because I was finally married and I got to spend the day celebrating with all of our loved ones. It’s funny thinking back about and that our most memorable moments were with just the two of us but I believe that speaks to the love and admiration we have for each other.”