Every love story has a beginning, and ours started with a simple introduction through mutual friends. And then Joe's quick flirting on snapchat. What began as a date neither of us expected to flow so naturally quickly turned into something that felt meant to be. Our first date included going to Condado in Crocker Park and hammocking in Huntington Beach (which 5 years later turned into the spot Joe got down on one knee).

Our first date was on July 24th, 2020, and we’ll never forget how Amanda was too scared to tell Joe she had to go to the bathroom so she made him drop her off at home after one hour, and then called him right before he reached the highway to come back. From that day forward, being together just felt easy, natural, and right.

Since then, we’ve shared so many adventures. Some of our favorite memories include going to Ohio State together, our long distance Sunday cooking dates, sneaking Joe into all of the frat parties, or Joe helping Amanda walk home from Red Tail. Through every moment — big or small — we’ve become not only partners, but true best friends.

The proposal was everything we dreamed of and more. On June 22, 2025, at the very spot at Huntington Park we hammocked on our first date, Joe got down on one knee and asked the easiest question in the world. The moment was filled with joy, surprise, laughter and our we did it moment, and it couldn’t have been more perfect for us.

Looking back, every step of our story has led us here — to a love that is full of laughter, support, and endless joy. We feel so lucky to have found each other, and even luckier to celebrate this next chapter surrounded by the people who mean the most to us.

We cannot wait to share the weekend which our love story started, 6 years ago, when Joe asked Amanda to be his girlfriend.

A&J