How did you and your partner meet?:
A: Before we met, both of us said "yes" to attending a 4 day group experiential retreat offered with our therapist. We walked into that building on September 7, 2023 not knowing that the other existed. By the end of the day, both of us knew there was something special about the other... even if we didn't quite know how to put words to our feelings. Our instant friendship, along with the bonds we established with our other group members, blossomed over the next few days and we were all quickly finding ways to stay connected beyond our time in "therapy camp." The retreat ended on a Sunday and Bryn texted me on Monday morning. The smile that lit up my face would have blinded you. The best part? I still get that smile on my face any time she texts me. And the rest, you could say, is history.
Describe the moment you knew they were The One.:
A: A little over a month after meeting, I told Bryn a story about something difficult that had happened in my life earlier in the year. The level of emotion that she felt in my defense and in my honor was so different than the under-reaction that I’d received from others. I finally felt I had someone on my team who would be with me through the hardest things.
B: From the moment we met I had always called Allison my “friend soulmate”. I literally told someone I could spend the rest of my life with her (as friends 😉). We were at a friend’s farm and she was handing me tools and when our hands would touch I actually felt a spark. That same day at lunch we were sitting on a deck at a restaurant by a river and the weather was perfect. I remember looking over and the sun hit her face perfectly and I said to myself “those are the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen”. It all changed after that.
Can you share the details of the proposal? :
B: Keeping it short and simple, there were balloons with our photos on them, handwritten letters from my family, and a special video she made of our journey. It was intimate and perfect. She got down on one knee and of course I said yes!
How did you celebrate after the engagement?:
A: I had invited a group of friends together for a surprise party right after the proposal. We celebrated and re-watched the video I had made for her. And, of course, showed off her ring!
Do you have any advice or tips for others planning a proposal?:
A: Tailor the experience to your partner and do things that would be meaningful to them, even if it doesn’t seem special to other people. Let other people help you implement your plan, too, so that you don’t feel like you’re drowning in details.
B: Everything Allison said. This is just as much, if not more, about the other person. Do what you know is going to be special to them and don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Could you share your experience with selecting and purchasing your engagement ring from Point No Point Studio? :
B: I found the shop online and instantly knew they were the ones. We live in Nashville and had an upcoming trip to see family in WA, so we knew we needed to go. We met with Elyse and the process was so amazing. I never felt rushed or pushed to choose a certain thing. When I tried on the setting I knew it was the one. We moved to choosing stones, which was so much fun. Allison and I had agreed that we still wanted some surprise in our rings so I chose my top 3 stones and left and let Allison choose the stone I ended up with!
Photography: Erin Lee Allender
