Growing up just a few miles away from each other in Shawnee, Kansas, Josh and Kristen's paths seemed destined to intertwine at some point, but they both sought out big life adventures.

Josh went to the University of Kansas where he got an English Degree and shortly after entered a program to become a certified high school teacher. During his time in college, he spent weekends racing dirt modifieds and sprint cars, a past-time that he enjoyed with his Father since he was a kid.

Kristen went to Iowa State University where she studied Marketing, International Business and French. Her love of French language and culture lead her to study abroad in the French Riviera. She loved her experience in France and caught the travel bug.

After 3 years in the corporate world, she decided it was time to try out her childhood dream of becoming a French pastry chef. She quit her job and left to attend pastry school in Agde, France, followed by an internship in a kitchen in Courchevel, France.

Meanwhile, after a few years of teaching and coaching soccer, Josh decided to move to New York City where he worked in restaurants and bartending, developing an appreciation for the culinary arts. He also took opportunities in acting and modeling, where he worked for Hewlett Packard, Harry Winston Jewelry, and Marriott Hotels. His biggest work highlight was flying to London to work for Hugo Boss where he met rock icon, Bryan Adams, who was the photographer.

On Christmas Break of 2017, Josh visited home to see friends and family. After spending quality time with friends and family and sharing old stories, he missed much of the camaraderie and joy. Deep down he knew his time in NYC was done, but he had his doubts. In late July of 2018, Josh flew back home uncertain of his future. He decided to apply for a teaching job in his old school district. Just a week before school started again, he was hired nearly on the spot. All of his belongings were still in New York and he didnt even have a car, but fate would have it that he move back to Kansas City immediately. He returned to teaching high school and coaching soccer.

When Kristen returned from her pastry excursion (lovingly called her quarter life crisis), her corporate job readily took her back. That job would soon take her overseas, where she worked and lived in Dubai, UAE. While in Dubai, she had the opportunity to travel extensively: hiking through Petra and Tajikistan, surfing in Sri Lanka, and attending yoga retreats in Bali. As much as she loved her life of travel in Dubai, something was calling her home...around the same time that COVID was creeping its way around the world.

During Christmas Break 2019, Kristen decided to surprise her parents with a visit from Dubai. She was excited to see her family, as her brother was soon to get married the next year. While on the way home from a Christmas party with her brother and soon to be sister-in-law, she started talking to them about what dating apps were like. She opened Bumble and started scrolling through profiles with Cortney (SIL), when she stumbled across Josh and immediately swiped right.

After a few days of messaging, Josh recommended that they meet for a drink at the Campground. After conferring with her MOH and confirming that the Campground was in fact a swanky cocktail bar with a woodsy-vibe and not a remote location for murder, Kristen hopped in an Uber and headed out to meet Josh. Kristen would soon learn that Josh wasn't the best planner as her ride rolled up to a closed restaurant and an empty parking lot. She convinced her Uber driver to drop her off at Voltaire down the street (assuring him that she would be okay) and finally met Josh a few minutes later.

They shared their appreciation for the culinary arts, exchanged stories from abroad, and talked about how much both of their friend groups love to travel and hike.

It wasn't long until they realized just how much they have in common. They share a love for literature, learning and travel, valuing the experiences in life more than the materials. After a couple more dates and celebrating the new year of 2020 together, Kristen had to fly back to Dubai, but promised to return within a month or so. Josh kept in contact knowing he couldn't let this one get away.

Josh taught and Kristen worked, halfway across the world. Josh would call in the afternoon, or evening and Kristen would answer the call at midnight - 2 am. The two would talk for hours until Josh could hear the morning prayers begin at the Mosque outside of Kristen's apartment in Dubai.

A month became two, and two became three (no, just two - k) as Kristen tried to expedite her transition back to the United States. Soon, news grew worrisome as a respiratory virus spread through Asia. Lockdowns were enforced and travel restrictions were sweeping the globe. The lovestruck couple wasn't certain if Kristen would be back at all. Kristen was able to secure her flight back to the United States and arrived in Kansas City on March 3rd. On March 14th, Joshs school dismissed for Spring Break. The school never reopened in person for the remainder of the year, shutting down for the year due to COVID.

While the ensuing months were the strangest months most of us have ever experienced, Josh and Kristen spent day after day in a wonderful honeymoon period of their relationship, going on walks down the trolley trail path in Brookside, cooking for each other, and getting takeout margaritas from local restaurants, and they continued to get to know each other. They haven't spent much time apart since then.

In November of 2023, Josh and Kristen flew to England where they planned an overseas road trip. Beginning in London, Josh drove a rental car on the road up to Scotland where they visited ancient castles and stayed in Edinburgh. They took a train to the top of Scotland, at Inverness then headed back south. On the way back down the west side of England, they stopped in the Lake District, near Windermere, the home of poet William Wordsworth, a place for romantics.

The couple had already been in search of an engagement ring, but hadn't found the right one yet. Josh thought it would be a good idea to check out jewelry stores in England. They visited a town called Kendal, where they found a jewelry store behind the giant Christmas tree in the town square. They walked in as the only couple there and got help from a nice lady. The wonderful jeweler brought us champagne and a couple of rings. Some of the rings were beautiful, but we were still stuck. The jeweler thought about it and then we saw a lightbulb go off. She said it might be a reach, but decided to bring out a 6-point Lotus setting ring with a solitaire diamond glittering in blues and yellows. While Kristen tried on the ring, Josh discovered a peculiar pattern. Kristen had a lotus tattoo on her wrist from her travels through Southeast Asia. Josh spotted a lotus tattoo on the Jewelers forearm. Josh could visibly see all three lotuses at the same time, as the Jeweler helped place the ring on Kristen's finger. It took no time at all to know that this ring was the one. Josh could see the look in Kristen's eyes that he had been waiting for.

A couple of days later on November 24, 2023, on a hike to the summit of Helm Crag in the Lake District. Josh asked Kristen for her hand in marriage. Unsure if her breath was taken away by the proposal or the steep climb, she said, Yes, of course. And the two kissed.

Both of them took a seat on a grassy knoll overlooking the verdant fields partitioned by ancient stone walls and glittering lakes. They were mesmerized by the tranquility of the old English countryside below with smoke rising from chimneys and herds of sheep bleating and feeding on the pastures. Everything felt perfect.

Later that night, they arrived in Liverpool by car. Tired from the long day and weary of more exploring, they decided to push themselves out of the hotel and explore. The cobblestone streets were pumping with music from every direction. Walking by one bar after another, each winding road featured dozens of different musicians and crowds dancing and singing, shoulder to shoulder. New life was given. Josh and Kristen threw themselves into the crowds, varied in all ages, from college students to grandparents. They sang popular sing-alongs, such as "Hey Jude", "Take Me Home, Country Roads", and "Sweet Caroline". Two lovers in a strange land, among strangers, singing, dancing, and laughing as if they were completely at home. The celebration continues a year later with their friends and family in a place that feels a bit like Liverpool to them.

Lawrence, Kansas on November 24, 2024.