Mark and I met while he was working security at a bar. I would come in as a guest, and we started talking. Eventually, he asked me out on a dinner date. Mind you, it was after his shift, and he didn’t get off work until 3 a.m.—lol. It wasn’t anything fancy, just an IHOP dinner (or breakfast, really).

We talked and laughed until almost 6 a.m., when we finally decided to go our separate ways. He told me I’d never know if someone liked me unless they grabbed me and kissed me. I don’t know what came over me, but that’s exactly what I did—I grabbed him and kissed him! The look on his face was priceless. All he said was, “Well, I guess you do like me.” And that’s how it all began.

18 months later, we moved to Arizona for my job. He found a security job, and we built a life together out here.

After about 3 years together, he asked me to marry him. He had a friend make a custom ring for me. When it arrived, he was so nervous that he just handed it to me and said, “Here you go.” I opened the box, saw the ring, and he blurted out, “Well, will you marry me?” Of course, I said yes!

After eight years of being engaged, we finally decided on a date—and here we are, getting ready for the biggest day of our lives together.

M&M

Wedding Day