Joshua and I met on a blind date on July 12, 2014. It all started one afternoon when I got a text from Marissa, a classmate from high school, asking if I was seeing anyone. At the time, I wasn’t. She and her husband, Jake, had a close friend they thought I should meet, so I agreed—why not? I was excited and a bit spontaneous, but I had never done anything like this before. I told my dad about it, and he was worried, strongly advising me not to go. I reassured him, telling him that I probably wouldn’t marry this guy, but even if nothing came of it, maybe a friendship would. Despite my dad’s concerns, a date was set for July 12, 2014, with Jake and Marissa as our chauffeurs.

They picked us up, and we went to dinner, followed by a Mud Hens game and then Cold Stone. We had so much fun! Before Joshua got out of the car, I wrote my number on a bank envelope and asked Marissa to give it to him. That same night, he texted me. I wasn’t ready for the night to end, so at 11:00 PM, I asked if he wanted to go to Walmart to grab some hairspray (yes, it was 2014, and bigger hair was the thing!). We ended up talking for hours, well into the early morning. We kept going out and had an amazing time together. So much so that just 11 months later, we bought a house together.

The years that followed passed in the blink of an eye. We were blessed with two incredible kids, five cars, career changes, graduations, loss, heartache, celebrations, and so much growth. One of my most cherished memories is that we’ve come to know God together and found our faith as a family.

10 years, 5 months and 13 days after we finally got engaged. It was Christmas morning 2024 and there was one more gift to give. I headed upstairs and Joshua told the kids what was happening. I heard lots of excitement and dad shushing them. Kainen came upstairs to guide me downstairs with my eyes closed. (That was a scary moment!). Blayklei was recording everything. The kids told me to open my eyes and there Joshua was on one knee and the kids cheering with so much excitement.

Although the first 10 years have been anything but traditional, we're filled with excitement as we look forward to all that God has in store for us.

We are incredibly grateful for your love and support over the years, and we’re excited to celebrate our marriage with you!