"First time I saw you, I knew right away… made up my mind, you would be mine someday."

More than three years ago, I met my wife-to-be at a Jo-Ann Fabric store, of all places. In a rush to get some last minute supplies for our Leadership Safari groups at CMU, we bumped into each other. We laughed because each of us knew why the other was at Jo-Ann's five minutes before it closed. As we wished each other luck with the rest of the week, I shouted, "I like your hat," which was her white Vineyard Vines one. Since looking over my shoulder to her in that aisle, I've never looked back.

That started an incredible friendship, and that's all it was for about a year. We studied together, hung out together and were even dance partners during Greek Week (Champs, '14). But I like that we had a whole year to get to know each other instead of an awkward first date, or two. That's one reason I love her so much. Of course she'll be my wife, but first she'll always be my best friend. She's always the first call for news, good or bad. It sounds cliché, but no one understands more than Caroline that I wanted my best friend by my side for the rest of my life. Both of us know we have that with each other.

Things finally clicked when we saw each other the following summer when I made a trip home during an internship in Pennsylvania. I don't think we even talked about it; we just saw each other for the first time in a couple months and knew the time was right. The rest is history.

Through incredible highs during our relationship, and challenges, we've come out stronger on the other side. We've never laughed harder with anyone else. We never feel happier than times spent with each other. And, of course, I have never loved anyone like the way I love Caroline. Can't wait to be husband and wife on July 28.

Travel

The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel