How We Met: Gavin and I met in college when we both attended Ashland University. We met when he was a freshmen and I was a sophomore. We met the first time at a mixer with his fraternity and my sorority. I was a Delta Zeta and he was Phi Delta Theta. He dropped some silly pick up line on me and I just laughed it off (we still laugh about that!). A few months later we went out with mutual friends on St. Patrick’s Day and that was the start of us! Gavin quickly ended his relationship from home but I took a little bit longer. I finally got it together and knew that he was the man for me. We spent the summer of 2012 falling in love and building our relationship. Since then we have grown as a couple and helped each other through many hard times. We have been blessed to be able to travel to some awesome places together like London, England, Niagara Falls, and Colorado in our short time together. He even lavaliered me on the London Eye during our Spring Break in 2013!
We have shared so many fun times together and have known for a long time that we want to spend together forever. And I was never shy about sharing that with him!
how they asked: Gavin proposed in such a perfect way! I am a first year, first grade teacher at McGuffey Elementary. On December 16th our school had our rehearsal for the 3rd grade Christmas program. All the school watches to give the 3rd graders extra practice. Now, that morning Gavin tried to convince me to “dress nice” for work so he could take me out to dinner after. I was taking my first graders ice skating that day (yikes! haha) and there was no way I was dressing nice. So, I did my hair and wore jeans and a sweatshirt and told him I would change after work. Now I know why he was so adamant about me dressing nice!
At the end of the rehearsal my principal said that the school was going to start a new tradition, all the new teachers have to sing a song for the kids. Confused but willing to play along for the kids the three of us new teachers walked to the front of the gym. My principal said, “I think Miss Villinger has the best voice, so she should hold the microphone!” Embarrassed and confused I continued to play along for the sake of the kids. I started off the whole gymnasium of kids singing “Jingle Bells”. We sang it through one time and my principal started us again. That was when I saw Gavin and his sister coming down the hall through the gym windows.
At this point I knew what was happening!
He walked in the door and came up to me.
Honestly, neither of us really remember what he said (so much excitement and nerves!) but I know it was something along the lines of “We have been together for two and a half years and I want to spend the rest of my life with you” (he was even more nervous because my principal had handed him the microphone!). Then he dropped to one knee and pulled out the most beautiful ring I have ever seen! All the kids went crazy! Of course I said YES!! My students were sitting right in front of us and were watching and cheering. Their faces are THE BEST!!!
It was so special to share that time with my first class, my staff, and Gavin!
We shared a hug and some forehead kisses (no big kisses in front of the kiddos!!) and my students went to special and we got to celebrate together. For the rest of the day and week, I felt like a little celebrity in my school. Students I didn’t even know came up and said congratulations or asked to see my ring.
The proposal was perfect, the ring is so beautiful, and planning our special day is so much fun. But I am convinced that the very best part of the whole thing is that I get to spend the rest of my with my best friend!
Photos by Seth Roy