Pop the champagne—because I’m officially engaged! It still feels surreal to even type those words. I meant to share our proposal story a couple of weeks ago, but as life would have it, a handful of last-minute projects came crashing into my schedule, and time got away from me. So here we are, fashionably late to the story—but maybe that makes it even sweeter.
Before I dive into all the details, I just want to say a heartfelt thank you. The flood of kind words and warm wishes on my Instagram announcement truly touched me. Reading your messages, seeing your excitement mirrored back at me, and knowing that so many of you are cheering us on—it’s a feeling I’ll carry with me forever. This next chapter of life is going to be such a beautiful whirlwind, and I’m beyond excited to share the entire wedding planning journey with you.
Did I See It Coming?
One of the most common questions I’ve received is whether I knew he was going to propose. The short answer? Sort of.
Two years ago, around Thanksgiving, we took a trip to Virginia and decided to casually stop into a few jewelry stores—Zales, along with a couple of smaller shops tucked inside the Potomac Mills mall in Woodbridge. The mission wasn’t necessarily to buy a ring that day, but rather to give him an idea of my style and, of course, to get my finger sized. At the time, I was convinced my dream ring would be a three-stone diamond on a halo band—lots of sparkle, lots of bling. It was very much in line with what my twenties self envisioned: something bold, glamorous, and unmistakably eye-catching.
But somewhere along the way, my taste shifted. Maybe it was maturity, maybe it was just my evolving sense of style, but the rings I found myself gravitating toward were simpler. I realized I didn’t want something that screamed for attention. Instead, I longed for a design that felt classic, understated, and timeless. The kind of piece that looks just as beautiful in photographs decades from now as it does today.
So while I didn’t know the “when” or the “how,” I did have an inkling that someday soon, he’d be slipping a little velvet box into his pocket with me in mind.
The Ring That Found Me
When the proposal finally happened (details I promise I’ll share in a longer story soon), the ring he placed on my finger was everything I didn’t know I needed. It was elegant, refined, and so completely me in this season of life. It wasn’t about how much it sparkled under the light, but about how right it felt on my hand.
And that’s the thing about engagement rings—they’re as much about the journey as they are about the jewel. They reflect not only personal style, but also growth. What I once thought I wanted at twenty-five isn’t the same thing I treasure now. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Joy of Sharing the Journey
If you know me, you know I’m someone who cherishes not just the big moments, but also the in-between details—the dress fittings, the venue tours, the little victories of finding stationery that feels “just right.” I already know wedding planning is going to be a process, but it’s one I’m embracing with open arms.
There’s so much to look forward to, from curating our guest list to piecing together the vision for our day. I can’t wait to share all of it: the inspiration boards, the behind-the-scenes hiccups, and the joyful discoveries. After all, this isn’t just about one day—it’s about the life we’re building together.
A Shift in Perspective
One of the most beautiful realizations this engagement has brought me is how much my perspective has shifted over time. In my younger years, I thought the proposal itself would be the pinnacle of romance: a perfect Instagram-worthy moment with sparkling lights, a dreamy backdrop, and of course, the ring I had pinned on countless inspiration boards.
But when the moment finally came, what mattered wasn’t the staging—it was the sincerity. The way he looked at me, the thought he put into the details, the quiet certainty in his voice. Those are the things I’ll remember long after the champagne has been sipped and the wedding dress has been tucked away.
Looking Ahead
So here we are, standing on the edge of a brand-new chapter. I feel both grounded and giddy, like I’m carrying a secret I want to shout from the rooftops even though the world already knows. More than anything, I feel grateful—for love, for growth, and for all of you who continue to support me on this journey.
Wedding planning updates are coming soon (I already have a million Pinterest tabs open), and I’ll be documenting every step along the way. From choosing the dress to debating cake flavors, I want you right there with me, because you’ve been such a big part of my story all these years.
So stay tuned, and in the meantime, let’s raise a glass—to love, to new beginnings, and to the adventures that await.
