On Thursday, December 1st, 2011, Ethan had a "class project for night class" due, and Rachael had a "Sonic date with her roommate Jennifer" planned and ready to go. In actuality, Ethan drove to Jackson while Rachael was in class and met up with her roommates and friends. Ethan set up a great surprise inside the Chi Omega house. Meanwhile, Rachael got out of class and went with Jen to the Chi O house "to get some things".
When Rachael opened the door she heard Ben Rector playing (her favorite) and saw a row of mason jars (her other favorite) filled with candles lining a path inside. She knew this had to be for her, and instantly ran to find who or what was waiting.
She found Ethan, with flowers, waiting to propose. He told Rachael that ever since he met her in the 7th grade, he knew he would marry her. He explained that when they started dating in 2008 he was certain they would spend their lives together. He explained that although both Ethan's and Rachael's grandmothers had passed down diamonds for a ring, he wanted her to have a ring for their family. When she said yes, he sat her down for another surprise.
Ethan had a bundle of letters for Rachael to read: One from each grandmother, one from Ethan's parents, and one from Rachael's mom, which she had written the day Rachael was born. The tears were inevitable, but Ethan wasn't done. He had already booked a date at the church and the photographer that Ethan and Rachael have known and loved for years, Robby Followell. Afterward, a handful of Rachael's friends were waiting outside to come see and there were many tears (and squeals) all around.
