OUR ENGAGEMENT STORY: STEPPING INTO FOREVER
Engagement season feels everywhere right now—Taylor, Selena—and now, somehow, it’s me. After more than three years of laughter, kisses, frustrations, learning, and loving each other more deeply every day, Cole and I are engaged!
If you’ve been here for a while, you might remember when I first shared How I Fell for My Boyfriend and Five Things I’ve Learned in Love. What I didn’t share then was just how much of our relationship we kept private. For almost two years, we kept Cole’s face (and most of our life) just between us. Not because we were hiding, but because it was special. We got to grow quietly, without the noise, and I’m so grateful we had that time.
Cole came into my life during one of its hardest seasons. My trust in people felt shattered, but he quickly became my anchor. He never cared that I wanted to keep our relationship offline, never asked for more than I could give. He was in it for us, not for any other reason.
He loves to tell the story of a night back in October 2021 when we were in the same room before we even officially met. As I walked past he and his friends, he yelled after me, “I’m going to marry you someday!” I didn’t hear him at the time—loud room, lots going on—but he swears I turned and smiled. Less than a year later, in May 2022, we finally met for real. And now, three years later, here we are!
The Story Behind “Yes”
The morning of the proposal, I woke up to a note on my bedside table telling me to meet him at 8:15 a.m. at our favorite beach. We had a photoshoot planned and I even received an inspo board with what to wear. My heart wondered if this might be it, but I didn’t know for sure until I saw him waiting there.
On the sand, with the waves behind us and my family not far, he got down on one knee and asked me to spend forever with him. The ring was designed by a jeweler in Chicago, near where Cole grew up - a 3-carat oval diamond with a hidden halo band of diamonds under the stone. It was exactly what I hoped for and it feels so personal, so us.
The next day, we celebrated with our friends and family at one of our favorite restaurants. Laughter, toasts, happy tears—it felt like the perfect way to start this next chapter.
How We Got Here
A few nights before the proposal, my parents and Cole went to dinner where my dad asked him some tough questions about what marriage would mean and how he planned to love and support me through every season. They’d also had several conversations with him leading up to that night, some lighthearted, some serious. At dinner, he officially asked not only for their blessing but also for their feedback on how to be the best man for their daughter. Hearing that after the fact made me so emotional -- it’s just so him. Humble, thoughtful, and so intentional about loving me well.
In three years, we’ve evolved into better people and better partners. We’ve done workout classes, grocery runs, flights, weddings, incredible trips, lazy mornings, big nights out -- all side by side. We’ve hit milestones, learned through frustrations, and chosen each other through it all.
Our Foundation
Faith has always been at the center of our relationship. We pray together, seek God’s guidance, and already started pre-marital counseling to prepare for marriage, not just the wedding day. We surround ourselves with couples who have healthy marriages, people who can speak wisdom into our lives and keep us anchored.
Looking Ahead
This moment feels like stepping into the best era yet. I’m so excited for everything ahead: planning our wedding, building our home together, and one day, raising kids.
My 18-year-old self would be so happy knowing we’re still here, still growing, still choosing each other every day.
Here’s to forever, and to all the ordinary, extraordinary moments still to come. Follow along with us on our new Instagram account.
With so much love,
Sienna
