Pop the champagne—it’s official, I’m engaged! Writing those words still gives me butterflies. I had every intention of sharing our proposal story a couple of weeks ago, but life had other plans, with work deadlines piling up and projects demanding my attention. Better late than never, right?
Before I dive into the details, I want to take a moment to say thank you. When I posted the announcement on Instagram, your sweet comments, DMs, and well-wishes filled me with so much joy. Knowing that so many of you are excited for this next chapter of my life means the world. I’ve been sharing pieces of my story with you for years, so it feels extra special to bring you along for this once-in-a-lifetime journey. And yes—you can expect plenty of updates as I step into the wonderful (and slightly overwhelming) world of wedding planning.
Did I Know He Was Going to Propose?
This is the number one question everyone has asked me. The short answer: kind of.
Two years ago, T and I were spending Thanksgiving weekend in Virginia. Between turkey leftovers and family time, we squeezed in a trip to Potomac Mills mall in Woodbridge. That’s when we casually wandered into Zales and a handful of smaller jewelry shops. It wasn’t a formal “let’s pick a ring today” kind of outing—it was more of a fun, exploratory adventure. We measured my ring finger, looked at a variety of settings, and gave T a sense of what styles caught my eye.
Back then, I was convinced my dream ring would be something bold: a three-stone diamond set on a halo band, sparkling from every angle. Basically, the kind of ring that screams “bling bling.” But that was my vision in my twenties. As I’ve gotten older, my taste has shifted. These days, I’m drawn to pieces that feel understated, refined, and timeless. So while our little jewelry-shopping detour planted the seed, I had no idea when—or how—he would eventually pop the question.
The Evolution of Taste and Timing
Looking back, I think that shopping trip taught me something important. Engagement rings aren’t just about diamonds or settings—they’re about who you are in that moment of your life. At one stage, I wanted a ring that made a statement. Now, I want one that feels like me: elegant, classic, and something I’ll love decades from now.
That shift in taste mirrors so much of what I’ve learned about love, too. When you’re younger, it’s easy to get swept up in the fantasy of big gestures and picture-perfect moments. With time, though, you realize that true romance lives in the small, thoughtful details—the ways your partner knows you, supports you, and grows alongside you. That’s exactly what this proposal symbolizes for me: not just a beautiful ring, but the beginning of a marriage built on friendship, partnership, and joy.
A New Chapter Begins
So yes, I had a hunch a proposal might be on the horizon—but I didn’t know when, where, or what the ring would look like. That surprise element made the actual moment all the more special.
As I sit here writing this, I can’t help but feel so excited for what’s ahead. From picking a venue to saying yes to a dress, there are countless decisions waiting for us. I’ll be honest: I know wedding planning can be stressful, but I want to approach it with the same heart that guided us to this point—intentional, thoughtful, and filled with love.
And because you’ve been with me through so many milestones, I can’t wait to share this one, too. I’ll be taking you behind the scenes of the planning process, from mood boards and dress fittings to the little traditions we decide to weave into our big day. My hope is that, by sharing, I can inspire those of you who are also planning weddings—or simply remind you that love stories are worth celebrating, no matter where you are in your own journey.
Grateful, Excited, and So Very Ready
For now, I’m just soaking it all in—the joy of being newly engaged, the sparkle on my finger, and the happiness of knowing I get to spend forever with T. It’s not about the size of the diamond or the drama of the proposal. It’s about us: two people who found each other, grew together, and are now stepping into a new chapter hand in hand.
So here’s to love, to wedding planning, and to the story we’re about to write together. And thank you again for being here to celebrate with me. Your support has always been one of the sweetest parts of my journey, and I’m thrilled to keep sharing every step of this one with you.
