Garrett + McKen | George Bush Library at Texas A&M Proposal

HERE’S TO THE FUTURE PENA’S!!!! Talk about a freakin day!!!!

This story starts two years ago when McKenna and I first met. We went from strangers, to roommates, to best friends very quickly. It wasn’t long after we moved in together that I heard Garrett’s name for the first time. I could tell McKenna liked him by her giggly smile. Soon after, Garrett started coming around more. I don’t remember the first time we met, but I remember he quickly felt like a friend. Since those first few moments, we have all laughed together, cried together, dreamed together, talked for hours together about faith, conspiracy theories, future plans, past hurts, and so much more. These two are the kind of friends you never want to let go of. Lucky for me, I’ve had the honor of doing life with them for the past two years, and it’s not stopping now!!!

Once McKenna and Garrett knew it was time, I was simply waiting for a text from Garrett. He finally reached out to me saying he ordered the ring (!!!) and from that moment on, we started patiently waiting and planning!!! We would whisper a few sentences here and there if McKenna walked into her room, I would text Garrett only when I knew he wasn’t with McKenna, and then we met at George Bush Library on the Campus of Texas A&M. It just made sense. It was perfect. I could see on Garrett’s face that he knew this was the spot. 

As we planned, I had to act completely oblivious. It was so hard keeping this secret from McKenna, as we were with each other practically 24/7. Garrett was making phone calls to all of McKenna’s friends and ironing out final details. He was so intentional in all of this planning, and in classic Enneagram 3 fashion, he had a white board with all his plans written down.

The day finally came and I had to sneak my gear out of the house and I camped out at Harvest Coffee all day. As evening came around, it was time! I was sitting in a corner out by the pond at George Bush Library hiding for about 45 minutes before McKenna and Garrett arrived (I like to get there way too early). As the butterflies set in (yes, I get butterflies ha), they rounded the corner, McKenna so sweetly waved at me, and Garrett made! it! happen!!!! They laughed together, walked through scripture together, talked about the future, and then Garrett dropped to a knee. At this point, I’m crying, McKenna is jumping up and down, and Garrett is asking his future wife to MARRY HIM!!!! McKenna said YES!!!!! Duh.

After the initial proposal, we took a few engagement photos and then I left them to enjoy some dinner. Garrett brought food from their three favorite places and they were able to soak in all the goodness before celebrating with friends and family.

Gosh, the Lord is so so good. There was so much purpose and guidance leading to this evening, and I canNOT wait to see Jesus be glorified in and through this marriage.

McKen and Gert, you two are some of the most lifegiving friends I have. It has been the greatest honor to walk alongside you two for the past two years. I am better because of this circle. I wouldn’t trade our hour long chats around the coffee table for anything! I am celebrating you forever.

Now, LET’S GET YOU TWO MARRIED!!!! #GertAndMcKen5Ever !!!!