Our Story & 36 days...

So, to think back to the first time we met, well, Brandon and I both have different thoughts about when the actual first meet-cute was. His version is a tiny bit more romantic, so I'll share his.

Our story begins in April 2008 when we first met at a dog park in College Station, Texas. I was with my then boyfriend to take Astro, our lab/pitbull mix, to play and get some exercise.

I think Brandon was meeting us there to give us money for Chilifest that year. What I really paid most attention to was his dog in the back of his Ford F-250 truck. He had the most beautiful golden retriever! He left shortly after giving us the money, but I couldn't stop thinking about him and his beautiful dog.

Fast forward six months later, after a bad breakup (on my end), and we're in Austin, Texas for a friend's birthday. Brandon and I swapped numbers before the road trip and texted the whole drive there and the whole drive back. Those first time jitters and butterflies were so overwhelming. It was so new, so exciting, and so fun to be happy again with someone in a new relationship.  

The fall semester finished up great and soon came my 21st birthday in December. All of my friends showed up at a local bar in College Station to celebrate. This is the first picture Brandon and I took together. He was so great that night. I probably had a little too much to drink, but he was there to take care of me. Such a gentleman. Kinda gets a little hazy looking back. I vaguely remember singing karaoke...

We decided to make our relationship official December 14, 2008. After being apart over the Christmas break and with the start of a new semester in January, we spent so much time together it almost became unhealthy. Things were moving quite fast. But the love was real, and we were so happy. I said "I love you" a few weeks later. And he said it back. Complete bliss. Am I making you sick yet?! 

A year later from our initial meeting, Chilifest was back around in May of 2009. This time we were together as a couple. We had so much fun with all of our friends cooking bbq, drinking, playing games and jamming out to Texas country bands.

A few weeks later I took him to his first family reunion to meet my mom's family. I had no idea what to expect from him or my family. I knew I loved him and that was enough for me. Looking back now, I don't know what I was worried about. He fit in so well. Everyone loved him! We spent time with cousins I had not seen in years. What a blast...

Summer came and went so fast. We had gone to a few mutual friends' weddings, and we started talking about our future together. Not too long after we went to look at engagement rings. Ring day in Aggieland came around in September. I was getting my Aggie ring, a time honored tradition at Texas A&M, on September 18, 2009. Brandon had completely surprised everyone by placing the engagement ring inside the ring box ahead of time!  

Brandon took the box and got down on one knee. "Alisha, I love you, and in front of everyone I want to show you how much I love you. Will you marry me?"

I can't tell you how much I cried before I could put any words together. Finally, I answered a muffled yes into Brandon's chest. My parents were thrilled! They always had a special place for Brandon in their hearts. Everyone else in the room cheered! We celebrated that night at one of our favorite sushi restaurants in College Station, TX.

I guess you could say that fall semester started off with a bang!!