How we met: Joel's Mom, Eileen, and her best friend, Judy (Caitlin's Matron of Honor's Mother-in-law) were on a road trip to Banff. As Judy tells the story, Eileen was giving an update on her youngest son Joel who had recently moved back to Seattle from the East Coast. As Eileen was sharing more and more about Joel, a "light bulb" went off in Judy, and Caitlin instantly came to mind: "They have to meet!", she insisted. The more Eileen talked about her son Joel, the more the excitement grew within Judy. She "just knew" that Joel and Caitlin were meant to be. Turns out Judy was right, and we are so thankful!

Judy gives all Glory to God for this set-up, as do we!

Our first date was at the Portland Zoo, Nov 2015. I'm so thankful Joel suggested we snap our picture.

He really got me! Joel had been planning this proposal for a couple months, and I had no clue. As we are in a long-distance relationship, we plan out weekends in advance. Joel told me he wouldn't be around one weekend because he was going on a men's retreat. This was the weekend before my birthday and a Thanksgiving trip to Hawaii with his parents. Since I knew I wouldn't be seeing him, my Oregon family (who was in on it) planned a birthday party for me.

I woke up to my now bridesmaid, Micah, handing me a "Birthday BINGO" card that involved me completing special tasks. Many were small and random, like "go to Safeway and buy $8 worth of food", "do a 10-min ab workout", and others were "get a mani/pedi for Hawaii" and "go to Sorosis Park for a 'mother/daughter' photo shoot". It was the perfect gift for me: task-oriented and kept me busy, so I wouldn't get suspicious. At one point, I told Micah, "I really wish Joel were surprising me this weekend, but I know he isn't because he texted me a pic of him on his way to the retreat." (Well played Joel). I found out later that my thoughtful fiancé had taken a selfie in the car with his guy friends two weeks before - just to make sure I wouldn't clue in.

Around 3:30, Micah dropped me off at the park and said, "Get out of the car". A little thrown off, I said "What?", to which Micah replied, "Just get out of the car and go over there." So I didn't ask questions, and I got out of the car and walked towards the center fountain at the park. Micah sped off, and out from behind the fountain was my love holding roses and a ring, followed by one knee and "Will you marry me?". It was better than I ever could have imagined, and I can't believe I get to spend the rest of my life with this guy!

Meanwhile, my Matron of Honor Sarah was hiding behind a trash can taking pictures and captured some amazing moments and engagement photos!

Joel and Caitlin plan to live in the Seattle area and are beyond excited to be married! Though it will be bitter sweet for Caitlin to leave her 9-year long roots in the Columbia Gorge, she can't wait to be married. Joel will have two more years to complete the UW Foster School of Business master's program. Both Joel and Caitlin are most excited to start their life together as a married couple, living in the same home, getting involved in a new church, and having kids!