Something that I adore about Clay is that he knows me SO well and takes the time to consider my needs, wants and desires before his own. In February 2025, he wanted to fully pick out the ring and completely surprise me. However, after contacting some of my friends to get the scoop on what I’d want, he got the sense that I would prefer to weigh in on picking out a ring. I’m SO glad he asked them… because it’s true, I wanted a say!

I had heard stories, and even know people, who were a little bit disappointed in their ring - not necessarily the size, but the design. I believe jewelry is such a personal choice and for an item that has a big price tag, I’m going to wear every single day and have for many years… I want to be absolutely in love with it.

In March, we spent time looking at rings together. I found a small woman owned ring business that is based in Spain. They’re all about sustainability, ethical production and artful designs. I wanted something that felt both a little bit unique but also timeless. When we came across the one (that would be mine) on the website, we both felt super drawn to it. We contacted the owner and started the custom order. When it was finished, we had it shipped to Clay’s parents house so I never saw it in person until the proposal, which was perfect to still have an element of surprise.

If you’re a regular listener of my podcast (Already Friends), then you’ll know that Clay and I got legally married on paper in May 2025. With being pregnant and getting a joint visa in The Netherlands, it made sense for us to ensure we were legally bound on paper. However, the day we had our “courthouse marriage” was a very regular day. We literally wore sweatpants because I didn’t want it to overshadow the excitement of a proposal and actual wedding someday.

I knew that the ring was delivered but I had no idea if he would propose over the summer, the fall, or wait until after Hayes was born. I tried to forget about it because I wanted him to be able to surprise me in a way that made him excited.

Fast forward to August. I was leaving for a work trip to Omaha on August 12th, so when he asked what I wanted to do over the weekend, I assumed it was just to spend quality time together before my 10 day trip! He literally asked if I would be down for a sunset canal boat ride on Sunday. Since we sort of co-planned the weekend, I was not suspicious at all. We also do cute dates and go on excursions like this pretty frequently so it didn’t seem out of the ordinary.

If I had known he was going to propose, I probably would have worn a bra, put on make-up and cared more about the picnic aesthetic haha. But I loved that I didn’t because it made the experience completely authentic. I’m also SO glad Peaches and Hayes (in my belly) were there as it felt like the sweetest, intimate moment for our little family.

I’m also so happy that no one else was there, not even a photographer. Even though I share so much of my life online, I actually am a pretty introverted, private person when it comes to things like this. I would have never wanted this to happen with a bunch of people around, so again, I’m so glad Clay knows me so well and planned it in a way that ensured I felt safe, comfortable and loved.