We're Engaged!

Wow it's been a crazy few weeks, but Garner and I are so happy to be ENGAGED! He is the kindest person I know, can always make me laugh, pushes me to be a better person, and is my favorite person to be around. We're so excited for this new chapter!

Here's how he asked me to be his WIFE:

Garner told me that on Friday, March 24 his company was having a cocktail party and he wanted me to accompany him as his date. I had it on my calendar for weeks and was looking forward to meeting his coworkers. He said he would pick me up at 5:30 for dinner and at 5 pm I'm reading a book at the coffee shop across the street still wearing yoga pants. I finally pull myself away from the book, go back to my apartment, change into a fancy dress and debate about doing my hair (really glad I decided to somewhat fix it). We're running SUPER late and my roommate stops me and tells me to borrow her clutch instead of my regular day purse (thanks, Molly! Which she had no idea either, she's just a good roomie).

We get to the restaurant and order all my favorites – red wine, cheese platter, charcuterie and lots of Spanish tapas. Garner asked me if I wanted more wine… I told him I didn't want to be tipsy when I meet his coworkers! LOL right? Dinner goes great and Garner seems completely normal except that he went to the bathroom five times (he later said he kept going to make sure the ring was still in his pocket ha!). After dinner, we take a Lyft to the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers where the "party" was taking place. It's starting to sprinkle a bit (just like our first date!) as we walk up to the beautiful white and glass building that's in the middle of Golden Gate Park.

We are greeted by a man at the front desk who asks for our names. He then checks them off the list (wow, so much planning!) and tells us the work party is in the back pavilion (which there actually was a party happening there so all of this is still making complete sense to me). We walk into the actual Conservatory where there are hundreds of plants and everything smells amazing. Garner leads us into the Potted Plant room where there is a fountain and gorgeous flowers hanging everywhere.

I ask him where everyone is and why we aren't going to the Pavilion if we're already so late… I'm still clueless. Garner said he wanted to spend a little time together in the beautiful Conservatory just us. He then starts telling me all his favorite memories and fun adventures we've had together, along with all the reasons why he loves me.

Garner then got down on one knee, asked me to marry him and spend the rest of our lives together, and pulls out of his jacket pocket the most gorgeous ring I've ever seen in my life. I am in complete shock at this point, but from what Garner and the photographer tell me, I say "yes of course!"

Then Cari the photographer comes out of the bushes. She took beautiful pictures and I'm so thankful she was there to capture the special moment. After a few photos, Garner suggests we walk around the Conservatory since we have it for the night. The only other time we'd been there was when it was super busy so it was great to experience the beauty just us.

We then walk into the next room and surprise – it's not just us – my parents, Garner's parents, his sister Meredith, and our close friend Blair had all flown in from Texas and were there ready to celebrate with us. We popped champagne, laughed and cried, all among the greenery. They filled me in on how everyone had known for months, how Garner had asked every person in my family for their permission (such a gentleman!) and how there had been so many close calls in me finding out. Garner then pulled out of his pocket the Baylor baseball ticket from our first date four years ago. WHAT!

We then went to one of my favorite spots in SF, Top of the Mark, which is a fancy hotel bar that overlooks the entire city. There was a live band and we drank martinis and danced all night. My mom told the band about our engagement which they announced and played "At Last" by Etta James which we danced to in the middle of the dance floor. It was a complete surprise and the perfect proposal. Garner – I love you so much and cannot wait to marry you!