ENGAGED !!!!!!

This day I have prayed for since meeting Duke in high school.

It feels like we have been together forever, but at the same time, the past 5 years have flown by. I could not ask for a better partner or friend. No one knows me as well as Duke, and that makes me really happy.

People keep asking me if I was surprised when Duke asked me to marry him, and the answer is both yes and no. With a move on the horizon, I had made it very clear that I wanted a sign of commitment before I would pack up my life and move across the country, or maybe even the world. I had a feeling that he would propose over either Thanksgiving or Christmas Break. I even got my nails done as a precaution. What I wasn't expecting was when and how he did it.


Duke flew in from Colorado Tuesday Nov 21st, really late at night. The next day (Wednesday 22nd) we were bums and spent the day watching movies. Towards evening, we headed up to Duke's family cabin in the mountains. I had never been hunting with him, and he was convinced that I was going to kill a deer. The plan was to eat dinner, spend the night, and wake up early to get a spot in the woods before the sun rose. For dinner we made elk burgers and Kraft mac&cheese....super romantic. I was in my pajamas and I looked homeless....also super romantic. Right after finishing dinner, it happened. I was so excited I can't even remember what I said. It was not perfect. It was not a scene out of a movie. But it was us. Messy and comfy and doing what we love. The only picture we have of that night is a grainy selfie.


Thanksgiving morning we headed back down the mountain to the family that awaited us. I didn't have a deer, but I did have a ring on my finger. Nothing like showing up to a huge family dinner with a FIANCÉ!! Getting married is a huge commitment, and it is so scary, but we are so happy for the adventure that lays ahead of us!


We are excited for a longer engagement, and enjoying the moment, instead of stressing and rushing. Way too much pressure is put on engagements and weddings these days, and we are planning to take it slow and do our own thing. We have never been much on traditions.


Thank you to everyone who has loved and supported us; we would not be where we are today without each and every one of you!!

-- Duke & Lauran