What a story we have! Our love story began back in early April of 2022. One night at my brother and sister in laws house I decided to finally try "online dating" (never thought I would do that). Thanks for the push Paige. Well the first three days online I swiped right on what now is the best swipe of my life haha. Not even a week online dating and we matched. After a couple of days talking we decided to go on a first date. Colin was on leave from deployment in Japan, so he had a month home which was awesome. Nervous as get out I decided to meet him at my favorite restaurant ever... Hobos Tavern. First meet went amazing, Colin will tell you he couldn't even look at the menu I was talking so much (go figure) hahah. We then drove around and I brought him to some favorite spots. Date one was so good 24 hours later we had to have date two. Date two came and this was the best date ever! Anyone who knows me knows my love for Meinart Park walks with Penny and that is exactly what we did. After a long walk on the beach, lunch, and a day together our second date we just knew. Not even 5 minutes after Colin left my car I was sending a message to my friends saying "he's the one!" Later I came to find out Colin was having the same feelings. Never have I ever felt that connection with someone. Fast forward that whole month of many dates and meeting each others families, Colin was going to be stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Long distance didn't scare us, but we knew it would be difficult. Fortunately as a teacher and having summers off I decided to pack my car and spend a couple weeks with him. Well a couple weeks living together turned into a whole summer. After I drove back to Michigan I decided to spend the year continuing to teach in Montague. We did long distance and made it work out. With many visits to and from, FaceTime dates, and miles between us we knew we wanted a life together.

Fast forward to summer of 2023, I decided to fully commit to moving in with him. What a trip to make moving my whole life down here. I couldn't have done it without my parents they truly are the best. We got the CUTEST little place in Chesapeake, VA and have been enjoying not being long distance. We have had so many adventures and moments since then that we are so lucky to have. Several trips out to western Virginia in the mountains and much more! On September 30th, 2023 I turned from girlfriend to fiancé! We got engaged down in the Waterside district dock where I first told Colin I loved him, what a full circle moment. We now live such a great life together, and we cannot wait to share our love story with all of you back where our roots grew. We can't wait to get married and become the Sparks.