My Own Love Story

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged about my own personal life, and since a lot of exciting things have happened (AKA Macklin and I’s ENGAGEMENT!), I thought I’d share with you all! This write up below was actually intended for our wedding website, but I think you may enjoy it, too!

It doesn’t seem that long ago that Macklin was just a familiar face and name from a neighboring high school. Then he was just the long-haired kid alongside his friends that would come into Krekel’s, my employer all throughout high school, for mile-high ice cream cones that I’d have to make. I never imagined a shy wave in his direction at a college campus tour and a prank involving toast (that’s a whole other tale) would be the beginning chapter of our love story.

A month after high school graduation was the moment Macklin and I finally “met.” After the initial shock of his younger age and getting over my shyness, we eventually became inseparable that summer. Between my time making milkshakes and taking photos and Macklin’s landscaping job, our summer was spent taking trips to Allerton Park, attending Cornerstone Music Festival, soaking up chlorine and sunshine, hanging out with friends, and most of all trying to survive the notorious summer heat of the Andrick home.

Summer was quickly coming to an end, and the move-in date to college was fastly approaching. With a little persistence and a swift kick to the butt, Macklin finally came to his senses and decided he did, in fact, want a girlfriend going into college. On July 24, 2010, Macklin sat me down on a park bench at Monticello’s Allerton Park to take a few timed photos. For the very last photo, with only 10 seconds to spare, Macklin turned to me and asked me to be his girlfriend. My reaction (a big fat kiss) was all caught on camera and is now one of my most treasured photographs.

The next chapter of our love story was spent in Carbondale and at Southern Illinois University. Our free-spirited summer quickly turned into real life. Together we slowly figured out which dreams we wanted to turn into plans, navigated our new town and social situations, and learned how to support one another. I’ve always said that one of my favorite things about Macklin and I’s relationship is that we grow together. We did a lot of growing while at school, but I believe it’s because we’ve always pushed one another to be greater.

Not only that, but we made a lot of memories over those four years — we travelled all over the country together (California, Las Vegas, Boston, Grand Canyon, Phoenix, Denver, Michigan City, and more!); we headed to Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis with friends; we spent many weekends in St. Louis to visit my Maid of Honour Elena or to see concerts; we moved in together; and we adopted a cat AND dog together! We simply became one another’s rocks and best friends.

We graduated together, with both of our families cheering us on, and pursued our dream of moving to Nashville two days after the ceremony. We’ve been here close to a year now, which is so hard to believe! We’ve loved exploring our new city together. Macklin landed a full-time job on Music Row at Big Machine Label Group, and I’ve never been more proud of him! Meanwhile I’ve enjoyed building my wedding photography business here in Nashville.

Our most recent and most memorable chapter of our love story happened on January 11, 2015. It was a normal and chilly Sunday, which for us includes lounging in our pajamas for most of the day. After dinner, Macklin and I went on our daily walk with Jubilee where we talk about life’s happenings. About a half mile in, we turn the corner and Macklin stopped in his tracks. I look back and say “Uhhhh, what are you doing?” and he proceeded to get down on one knee and asked me to marry him! If you were wondering, yes I was still in my pajamas (cat leggings actually). We rushed back to our house, and he surprised me with a slideshow documenting our relationship with all of our favorite songs. At this point I couldn’t wait to call everyone we love, but I’m so happy that we had a chance to slow down and to take it all in.

4.5 YEARS later into our love story, we are now soaking up all we can in this chapter we’re currently living! The support and excitement we’ve received from so many family and friends has been AMAZING! We are so lucky have so many special people in our life. Next stop: Mr. and Mrs. Andrick in September 2015! 🙂 If you’re on Instagram, be sure to follow #HappilyEverAndrick for all wedding-related posts!