Our journey together began on Friday, June 5th, 2015.

I decided to tag along with a friend of mine that night who was on her way to attend a high school graduation party.

Unlike most graduation parties that have coolers filled with ice for drinks, there was a bar that you had to walk up to in order to get a drink - even non-alcoholic drinks. So, as I walked up to the bar to get a coke, I met Corbin, who was acting as the bartender.

We chatted some, mainly just small talk. However, at one point while I was there, he did ask me for my name, saying that I looked familiar. But that was it. My friend and I left and I did not think much of this random guy behind the bar. But he sure thought of me.

As I woke up the next morning, I had a friend request on Facebook from a Corbin Anschutz. It was not until I went looking through his Facebook photos that I recognized him. Once I accepted the friend request, we quickly began planning our first date.

On June 10th, 2015, Corbin and I decided to have our first date together at Millennium Park in Grand Rapids.

I can remember the day like it were yesterday. It was a Wednesday afternoon and I was eagerly waiting for Corbin to get out of work so I could see him.

The time for our date arrived and Corbin and I met in the basement parking lot of Remembrance Church. My mother cautioned me to have our first date in a public setting since I did not know him well.. So, what did I do? I agreed for us to go on a long walk alone through Millennium Park.

On that evening of June 10th, 2015, we walked hand in hand all evening until the sun went down. We talked for hours about everything and anything. Little did I know at the time, but this park would soon turn into our safe haven. We created a genuine and deep connection that night. I felt as if I had known him forever. And I knew in my heart there was something about him that was made specifically for me. I knew after that night, my life would be forever changed.

How do you take 8 years and put it into words? Where do you even begin?

These past 8 years together has been a journey like no other. Beginning by living in the same town and doing almost everything together to living 800 miles apart and navigating a long distance relationship, we have managed to create a love story that is uniquely ours. I believe our relationship is a testimony of true love, a love that is worth fighting for. Since our first date, we have grown immensely in who we are as individuals and who we are as a couple.

Looking back on our dating years, there is not one thing I would change. Each moment and each decision has brought us to where we are today. I will forever cherish the times of eagerly counting down the days until we were to see each other again, the most joyous hellos, and also the tearful goodbyes. Through our experience of dating long distant, we have learned to appreciate each other in a completely new way and to never take a moment for granted.

Through the distance and the many obstacles that have appeared along the way, we continually chose one another over and over again.

I will always be grateful for the experiences that we have had together these past 8 years. We have grown and learned so much about love, life, and ourselves.

I give thanks to these dating years as they have equipped us with the love, patience, and understanding that will be a foundation for us to build on as we unite as one in marriage.

On May 10, 2023, I said "yes" to spending forever with my best friend.

It was more perfect than I ever imagined it to be. There is really something so special and powerful to see your best friend down on one knee, presenting you with a ring that is the symbol of a lifetime of love and commitment, asking:

"Will you be my wife? Will you marry me?"

We have fought long and hard for each other, for our love, and our relationship. I had dreamed of this day since the very beginning and I am so blessed and proud to be becoming husband and wife.