Sometimes the most out-of-the-blue things turn out to be the most amazing!

Who would have thought that a simple message from a stranger, “Hey, sorry for the random add. You look familiar, have we met before?”, would turn into a whirlwind romance. Josh and I have spent years searching for the right person and after many upsets, heartbreaks and nearly giving up on love altogether, we both found our way to each other.

Emily: We had an instant connection too. The conversation caught on quick and after two weeks of texting all day every day he asked if I wanted to meet in person. The only downside was he wanted to go for a walk in the park as our first date and I was not about that. Anyone that knows me knows that is not my vibe; humidity, sweating, bugs and nature, no thank you!! But everything I had done in my dating life up until this point had left me alone or in heartache, so I said to myself, “do something different Emily.". So, I replied back, “Why not, let’s do it!”.

Josh: I know I said let’s go for a walk, but this girl showed up in sandals, jean shorts and was in no way prepared for a trail walk. All I was concerned with was making sure she was comfortable and that we had a nice time. We walked the trail at Ashuelot Park and talked about anything and everything- it all felt so organic, natural, different. As I watched the sun set behind her, with the wind blowing in her hair, I was captivated, in awe, I couldn't stop looking at her. As dusk was coming, we walked back and I wasn’t ready to let her go, so invited her to go for ice cream.

Emily: When he asked me for ice cream, I was so excited because A- I was starving, but more importantly B- I wasn’t ready for this date to end! And it didn't, we talked for another hour or so in the parking lot! It was nearly 10pm, the parking lot had cleared out and it was time for us to say goodbye. I’m not going to lie, I was expecting a good night kiss, but he gave me the most lackluster hug; a quick tap tap on my back and pulled away. Perhaps he wasn't feeling me as much as I was feeling him.

Josh: I was trying to be respectful; I didn’t want to seem too eager or come on too strong. I definitely wanted to kiss her! I didn't want her to leave. Instead, I was a good boy and gave her a hug and promptly texted her when I got home to tell her I had an amazing time and that I couldn't wait to see her again!

Emily: We were pretty inseparable after that! I was on my "summer vacation" from work and had so much time to spend with Josh. I wanted to spend every free moment I had with him. I had never felt this way about anyone before; I was falling in love and at warp speed and I could feel he was too!

We truly have had a whirlwind romance, I never thought I would find a love like this, I believed it wasn't in the stars for me.

When Josh proposed to me out on the bridge where we had our very first date, it was nothing short of the moment every girl dreams of. It was such a surprise; I was speechless and completely shocked.

Josh: I had known for months that she was the one. I feel safe and secure and so at comfortable with Emily. I fell for her hard and fast, I could picture a whole life and family with her and that’s how I knew she was the one. I had gone out to that bridge on my own a few times and felt so much peace and happiness there; that's how I knew this was the perfect place to propose!

We can’t wait to celebrate our love with our closest friends and family and make the most memorable moments with those we love. See you there!

Joshua and I cannot thank you enough for contributing to our Honeymoon Fund!! We're planning something tropical and hoping to travel in February or March of 2025!!