Modern Family 's Sarah Hyland ‘I'm Happy, Healthy & In Love!'

Newly engaged to boyfriend Wells Adams, the actress opens up about her next step

- Aili Nahas

When their respective careers call for nights away from each other, Sarah Hyland and her fiancé Wells Adams have a plan. “We leave funny greeting cards for each other whenever one of us goes out of town,” says Hyland, visibly lighting up at the thought. “I’ll hide one in his suitcase, or he’ll leave me one in front of the coffee maker. It’s our favourite tradition.” And the cards have been in abundance recently, as Hyland, who continues to co-star on the 11th and final season of the 7Plus hit Modern Family, is also executive-producing and starring in the film The Wedding Year, all while planning her own nuptials. “This is the craziest, best, most chaotic time of my entire life,” says Hyland, 28. “But I’m happy, I’m healthy, and in I’m in love.”

None of which she takes for granted for a moment. Just two years ago Hyland, who has kidney dysplasia (a chronic condition caused by her kidneys not fully developing in the womb), underwent her second kidney transplant – and 16th surgery – in seven years. Her first date with Adams – a radio DJ and former US Bachelorette contestant who now regularly appears as the advice dispensing bartender on the spin-off US Bachelor in Paradise – took place just days before the surgery, cementing their connection by obliterating typical getting-to-know-you pretences. Now, Hyland and Adams, who got engaged in July, are closer than ever, and the star is focused on building a joyful life posttrauma. “I’m really appreciative and really grateful for everything I have in my life,” says Hyland. “I’m stronger than I’ve ever been.”