ALEXANDRA + JAYTON

photo | Kati Hewitt Photography

ALEXANDRA + JAYTON

How He Asked…

(As told by the groom)

Since February, I had the most perfect ring, designed specifically for Ale, in my hands and planning the proposal officially began. It drove me absolutely nuts hanging onto that ring for so long, I eventually had to ask Ale’s mom to take it and keep it in her safe in Brownsville so I wouldn’t stare at it every day and could resist the temptation to propose sooner. Ale deserved the best, so I knew I would give her the best, and it would be worth the wait.

I chose September 30th as the day for the proposal because the Fightin’ Texas Aggies were playing South Carolina, and it was a good excuse to have our families and friends in town without giving away the big secret I had been hiding from Ale. For months I had planned the entire day across multiple scenarios, depending on what time the game would be, and I contacted as many of our closest friends and relatives to ensure their presence at the proposal. After finding out the game would be an evening game, I knew campus wouldn’t have many people earlier in the day before Ale was intended to go into work at The Association of Former Students. Ale’s boss and Vice President, Nic, was incredibly helpful by being willing to help with the plan and making sure Ale would be at work long before she was initially supposed to so that they could have “a meeting” before their reception.

Fast forward to the day of… The morning of the proposal was completely nerve-wracking for me, but I had to make sure that Ale didn’t anticipate any of what was to come that beautiful fall football Saturday. I had to remain perfectly calm and act like it was just another Saturday (which was extremely challenging because Ale knows me better than anyone, and the second I am not myself, she can tell). Ale had conveniently had a hair appointment scheduled that morning and even decided to buy a new gameday dress. I could tell that she was anticipating what was going to happen that day, but I still had the element of surprise. Once all of Ale’s errands were complete, she came home to finally get ready for the day. Of course she decided to take her time… Her mom helped me to get her out and off to work because my poor family, whom she did not know was in town, had been driving around the block patiently waiting for her to leave. As soon as she stepped out the door and was on her way to work, I quickly scrambled to put on my suit. I had told everyone to be at the Haynes Ring Plaza in front of The Association by 2:00 p.m., but when Ale had left so late I knew that she would most likely see everyone there. I had one of my good friends, Mason (one of our groomsmen), direct her through the service entrance away from where everyone had already congregated. I had been going crazy making sure all of my bases were covered so that she wouldn’t know what was happening.

Once I was completely dressed, which probably took me less than two minutes, Ale’s mom and I hopped into my family’s car, and we were on our way. We came to the first red light on our trip and I began to check my pockets to make sure I had everything. Phone: check, wallet: check, keys: check, ring……crap! I had completely forgotten about the ring through all the frantic craziness running through my head. I ran back inside, grabbed the box (made sure the ring was actually in it), and THEN were on our way for good.

Finally, we pull up to The Association parking lot, and I could see so many people anxiously waiting around the giant Aggie Ring statue. It was very important to me that we have as many people that have been wonderful and positive influences on our relationship be there as a part of this wonderful day. Fortunately, Ale had been successfully delivered to the “meeting” not knowing what was happening just outside. I had organized the entire crowd, which was over 100 people, to be on either side of the ring so that they could see. I had also organized a traditional Corps of Cadets saber arch, consisting of my once freshmen who were now seniors from my outfit when I was in the Aggie Band, and Ale’s younger brother, Justo, who was also a senior in the Corps. I pulled Mason aside and asked him to lead me in a prayer as everyone was gathering around patiently waiting.

Once we were all set, I texted Nic saying it was time. I was so nervous standing underneath the ring staring at the glass hoping to see Ale on the other side. A few minutes passed that seemed like forever, and I finally saw her silhouette come around the corner. That was when I lost it. She had taken Justo’s arm and he walked her outside to where everyone was waiting. She immediately started crying and was overwhelmed with joy. After taking a few seconds to take in what was about to happen, Ale finally began walking toward me. After taking my hands, the rest is history. Unfortunately, we can hardly remember any of what I said, but all we know and care about was that she said, “YES!”

With many of our closest friends and family, including those who could not physically be there, I could not have asked for a more perfect way to ask my best friend to marry me and commit to forever. We are so grateful for every single person who made the effort to be there and share in one of the most memorable days of our lives.