How We Met
Tyler and I met in 9th grade; he was the new kid at school. I will never forget our first conversation – we were on the bus, and we talked about an inch worm that was on the window, our mutual love of country music, and how it was funny that he was 6’5″ but I was only 5’1″. We became friends, and at one point even talked about how we would “never ever date each other.” However, a few months of note passing in class and land line phone conversations later (I wasn’t allowed to have a cell phone or officially date until I was 16), we became “boyfriend and girlfriend.” We have been together ever since! Growing up with Tyler has been so wonderful. High School was a blast – I loved cheering for him at his basketball games, and he came to every single one of my volleyball games. He is a math guy and I am a literature girl, so we helped each other with all of our assignments. We ended up going to different colleges, which was difficult after seeing each other every day at school. However, we made the best of the time we were able to spend together, and we enjoyed making new friends and becoming more mature and independent. We do anything and everything together – we love hiking, collecting silly coffee mugs, watching Law and Order, and riding roller coasters. We have been through so many life experiences, changes, and challenges throughout the years, and I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side through it all. He makes me laugh, he is passionate and driven, and he is my best friend. I am a better version of myself when I am with him, and I fall more in love with him every day that passes! (He is also the BEST at planning surprises…)
how they asked
I decided to study abroad in Australia from June to December of my junior year of college. While I missed Tyler incredibly, we both grew so much individually and as a couple during our time apart. After six months of traveling the world, I was so ready to be back in his arms. My friend and I had planned a trip to the island of Tahiti as a celebration and wrap-up of an amazing semester abroad, and my parents decided earlier in the year that they were going to join in on the fun and meet us there. Our flight from Australia landed in Tahiti, and after a sweet reunion with my parents, we were all tired and jet lagged, so we went to bed. I had been trying to contact Tyler the whole day because it was our 6 year anniversary, and I was sad that he hadn’t really responded or tried to call. However, there was a large time difference between Australia, Tahiti, and the US, and it was the middle of his final exams, so I understood that he was busy. The next morning, my friend and I woke up extremely excited to be in Tahiti and to explore the beautiful island. We made coffee, and my mom wanted to show us the beach. We walked down a little sand path to a fence that shielded the view of the ocean. My friend opened the gate, and to my utter dismay, there was Tyler, standing at the edge of the water! I was so shocked, but overcome with joy as I ran and jumped into his arms. I couldn’t believe he was actually there! Then, as if simply being in Tahiti wasn’t surprise enough, about 60 seconds after seeing him for the first time in six months, he reached into his back pocket, knelt down on one knee, and asked me to marry him! I was speechless, but managed to nod “yes.” It was the most beautiful, surreal moment; I was laughing and crying and just so happy! I cannot imagine a more perfect, completely surprising, absolutely breathtaking proposal. After the initial shock of 1) Tyler being in Tahiti, 2) seeing him for the first time after such a long time apart, and 3) getting ENGAGED, we celebrated with the most amazing, fun-filled week of snorkeling, exploring, and relaxing in Tahiti. I am the luckiest girl in the world to get to spend the rest of my life with Tyler. I cannot wait to marry my high school sweetheart and the man of my dreams and see what other surprises our future has in store for us!
