Where we first met: the Defense Language Institute, Monterey CA. We had both just finished Navy bootcamp and arrived for our formal job training. We would become friends, but not actually date (despite Jacquie's unrequited crush on the cute funny Trevathan guy with the glasses).

Jacquie separates from the military. Matthew did as well around that time, but several states away.

After 8 years of no communication, we finally reunite for the first time since our friendship at DLI, this time as civilians. Both of us having recently been burned from past relationships, we wanted to take it slow. But our chemistry couldn't be denied the first time we met to "catch up." Sometimes you just know.

Move to Charlotte to be closer to Matthew?? What an absurd notion! It would be FAR too soon for such a momentous decision. Jacquie simply wanted to sell the house, move states, transfer schools, and start fresh! Nothing to do with the man she couldn't spend enough time with.

First real vacation together that did not involve staying at his mother's house in Florida. This trip affirmed to Jacquie that Matthew was indeed The One... and that she would enjoy the ride as long as it took for him to decide the same.

Several...

Halloweens...

later...

He finally decided to make an honest woman out of Jacquie by proposing in the same place they'd traveled to on their first couple's vacation: Puerto Vallarta

And now please excuse us as we live happily ever after :)