It all started through a mutual friend, Jack, whose friendship with Josh goes back to their time in the Marine Corps. The two became best friends during a deployment between 2021 and 2022, a bond that would later lead Josh to meet someone who would change his life forever—Marlo.

Marlo and Jack had known each other since childhood, attending school together from second grade all the way through high school. Their deep-rooted friendship laid the foundation for the connection that would soon grow between Josh and Marlo.

In February 2022, after Josh returned from deployment, Jack threw a party on the ice, and that was when Josh first laid eyes on Marlo. It wasn’t long before their paths crossed again at other events, but it was in November 2022 when something truly special began to spark.

Marlo was living in Appleton, working as an RN, while Josh was attending the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. One night, Marlo and her friends met up with Josh and Jack in Appleton, and they had a great time out on the town. The night ended at Marlo’s apartment, where the group slowly began to part ways and head to bed. But Josh and Marlo stayed up, talking late into the night about everything—their life, dreams, and mutual love for God. Hours passed, and before they knew it, the sun was rising.

That night left Josh intrigued, unsure of what Marlo thought of him, but he felt something was there. Their connection was undeniable.

In the spring of 2023, their bond grew stronger during a road trip to Michigan. Marlo, her friend Allison, Jack, and Josh all went to see their favorite country artist, Charles Wesley Godwin. Once again, they stayed up late talking about everything from life’s big questions to silly anecdotes. It was during that trip that Josh knew—Marlo was the woman he had been waiting for.

The summer of 2023 brought even more chances to connect. At a concert with the same group of friends, Josh and Marlo once again found themselves talking all night. Then, at a mutual friend’s wedding, something incredible happened. As the night of the wedding came to a close, Josh asked Marlo to slow dance and the connection between the two deepened.

Josh asked Marlo out right after the reception, and to his delight, she said yes. Their first date on August 13, 2023, was everything they’d hoped for—a night full of laughter, great music, and impromptu living room swing-dancing.

Their relationship blossomed quickly from that moment on, growing stronger with each passing day. In September 2024, Josh knew it was time to take the next step. He asked Marlo to marry him on the dock at her lake cabin. It was a perfect moment that captured the love and joy they felt for each other. And of course, she said yes.

Now, as they stand on the threshold of their forever, Josh and Marlo are excited to continue their journey together—full of love, adventure, and faith.

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