When you don't know Denise, she's very quiet. So on our first date I had to bust out my best dad jokes to make sure she was interested. Little did I know she was very interested but just trying to play it cool. As I tried to keep dinner going longer I ended up ordering what I thought was dessert to find out that I'd somehow ordered round 3 and maybe 4 of drinks. We looked each other in the eyes and mentally decided, "Ok here we go!", which has become a theme for this relationship. Embracing as many adventures as we can get and enjoying the unexpected surprises along the way.

After a period of long distance dating (hated it) God brought us to the same city and the rest was history. Considering I never thought I'd have a chance to find a wife; being able to go, do, and explore with Denise has been a blessing I still can't find words to describe.

Of course I had to propose to her in front of the Eiffel Tower in the middle of Paris. When the blessing you though was lost finds itself in your arms, it's time to go big and show the whole world the treasure you've found. I'm more proud of the fact that through a year long campaign of misdirection, she had no idea it was coming and I got to actually give her the surprise proposal she deserved.

The funny part about my version of the story is that I had completely sworn off dating anyone from my hometown. Little did I know that God had different plans for me! And I couldn't have written a better love story!

Our first date was as memorable as they come. I ran late, was as nervous as could be, and kept repeating to myself, "Be cool, Denise, be cool!" Kurt couldn't have made me feel more at ease with all of his endless dad jokes! I laughed so hard that I cried. We talked about our life, family, dreams, and everything under the sun for 3 hours. It was perfect. We immediately had our second date the following afternoon before he left town! And I could only countdown the days to see him again.

That same day after our second date, I distinctly remember sitting at Southerleigh with one of my closest friends, Leanne, and saying, "I think this is it. I really think he might be the one!" It only took Kurt a little bit longer…

How did I know though? I had never felt more at peace, joyful, and happy. He was someone I could laugh with, dream with, and wanted to build a life with. He was and is the person that I want to pour myself out for. That person for whom you're ready to sacrifice everything for. Scale the mountains and valleys of life with! Over the years that peace, joy, happiness, and love have only continued to blossom.

Let's end by talking about the proposal now! I was truly surprised as crazy as that might sound, but Kurt did the most impeccable job at throwing me off! He threw so many twist and turns at me for 2-3 months leading up to the proposal . I thought to myself, "Well, I think I'm going to have a serious talk with him pretty soon!" Little did I know he had every detail planned. From the morning walk to the photographer, dinner reservations (that he made 4 months in advance), and it couldn't have been more perfect! The hardest thing was waiting 8 hours to let our family know!

With that said, I cannot wait for all of you to join us for our wedding! Let the countdown begin!