Welcome to Ep. 1 of my wedding series—aka the very beginning stages of wedding planning, plus the engagement story I somehow never shared online. I got engaged at the end of December 2024, and it was actually a surprise (which is saying a lot because I can usually sus Calvin out). He booked a “status run” night at the Park Hyatt, and I fully believed it was just a pit stop… until we walked into a decorated suite and I realized what was happening like 10 seconds in. It was private (exactly what I wanted), I kind of blacked out, and yes—“Invisible String” by Taylor Swift was playing, which is very me. I also get into my ring: I designed it myself with Rowan and didn’t see the final ring until the proposal, so I still got the element of surprise. It’s an antique cushion cut diamond on a gold band, and I’m obsessed—she’s perfect. From there, I walk through the early logistics: deciding on September 2026, choosing a destination wedding (somewhere warm that we love and visit every year), hiring a destination wedding planner, and narrowing down venues based on accommodations + indoor/outdoor options. Finally, I share what I’ve been doing next—bridesmaid proposals (very travel-vibe), booking non-design vendors like photographer/videographer early because 2026 is already filling up, and starting wedding dress try-ons around NYC (Anthropologie, Kleinfeld, Bridal Reflections, and more). Wedding planning is not for the faint of heart, but I’m honestly having fun with it.