Oh boy, where do I start? Well, I guess the beginning.

Steve came into my life at the most unexpected, yet perfect time. I had been feeling down and going through some things, and one day while swiping on Tinder (I know, I know) ... I found this handsome guy I recognized! ;)

He had graduated from Sweet Home, too but was in my cousin Katie's grade. Steve and I joke about how we knew OF each other as "THE Steve Spencer" and "THE Kim Charleson," I don't know if he really means it when he says that, but I definitely knew him as THE Steve Spencer. He was the cute jock, part of the football team who won states twice! Plus, I saw him around school sometimes with the popular kids (haha).

Of course I swiped right, and we matched! I thought he was in a relationship, so I said something dumb like "fancy seeing you here" (yuck) and we both talked a bit about how we were both in long relationships but were ready for something new now. He gave me his number and we started texting and not long after, went on a date.

Let me just say, it didn't take long AT ALL for me to "know." Of course he's nice to look at, but he truly was a breath of fresh air. He was honest, funny and sweet. Even though I thought he didn't like me after our first date because he didn't kiss me.

I was texting my friends (now bridesmaids) how happy I felt, excited I was and how it felt like something real... Something big.

February 14th, 2017 he drove out to South Buffalo to my then-work and surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I was in utter disbelief that he would do something so sweet. Plus, he had more flowers in his car for his mom and aunt. COME ON.

One of my bridesmaids, Alli, was there when this happened and we still laugh about how far my jaw dropped and big my smile was. (If you've seen the pictures from our engagement, you might say this was a foreshadowing of my jaw-drop moment during the proposal).

This is corny. But, I have to admit, it felt like his presence in my life prompted a rebirth in me. I felt like I was pushed down on the ground by life and people and mental health, and here someone came who pulled me up, and loved me. Flaws and all. He puts in the effort to understand me, and gives me the patience and understanding I need.

So with that solid, incredible foundation we moved in together, and soon after that we got a pup, Luna, who we love so much. She completes us!

Fast forward to December 2018.

Steve got into Customs and Border Protection over the summer, we had just gotten through 4 months of long distance, and we were going to move 3.5 hours away from everyone and everything we know. Christmas Day December 2018 we hit the road and moved into an apartment in Clayton, NY.

I like to toot our relationship horn quite a bit, because I feel we have really done so much as a couple and gone through a lot together. There's been the typical relationship stuff, life changes, struggle, arguments, living together, moving and more.

Through it all, he has been my best friend and I have never for a second doubted him or our relationship.

To the person reading this: Thank you for being a part of this special time with us. Each person in our life has contributed to the love and happiness we share together.

Here's to my forever with THE Steve Spencer.