It all began with a double date, orchestrated by fate (and my sister, who was talking to Josh’s best friend). Throughout that evening, Josh and I discovered two surprising things: our mutual dislike for breakfast food and how hilariously clueless we both were about cars. Despite our differences—or perhaps because of them—there was an undeniable connection.

At the time, I was in school to become an EMT, and Josh had just started his career as one. Life, however, had bigger plans. Five months after we started dating, I left for the military. In those early days, we stayed close by sending letters, a practice that kept our connection strong even from afar.

When I returned from basic training, our relationship faced yet another test: my deployment to Washington, DC. Through the distance, our bond only deepened. Each letter, phone call, and visit reminded us that what we had was worth fighting for.

The year I came home from DC, life threw another curveball. Both Josh and I were accepted into Paramedic school—two different programs. It was another year of rigorous education and distance, but we powered through, always finding ways to support each other. Each challenge we faced together only made our love stronger.

On May 10, 2019, after volunteering at my mom’s field day, Josh asked me to be his girlfriend. Five years later, on May 10, 2024, at that very same event, he got down on one knee and asked me to spend forever with him.

Through every trial and triumph, we’ve built a love that’s unshakeable. Now, we can’t wait to start the next chapter of our story—together