In August of 2017, we briefly met as we, separately, were out with our respective best friends when they met for the first time.

We met a second time when DJ returned from his deployment in 2019. By this time our best friends were very much in love. Their love and our friendships with them put us often in the same place throughout 2019.

By March of 2020, we began dating. Over the years we have gone on many adventures. Each adventure has brought us closer and closer.

Some of our favorite adventures have been: visiting family in Hawaii, vacationing in the Dominican Republic, going to Branson, traveling to Kentucky, and being on the lake.

When we are not traveling, we love to spoil our pup, Taha.

DJ took me to Old Red Bridge - Love Lock, in Minor Park, Kansas City. Prior to arriving to the bridge he asked me to pick a colored paint pen: red, yellow, or blue. I picked blue.

When we arrived on the bridge, DJ presented me with a box that said “will you be my valentine”. The box contained a black lock with two keys. We used the blue pen to write our initials and the date: 02/13/2025.

After walking up and down the bridges, we found a spot we liked and locked it on the bridge. After we did this DJ said “how is that for commitment”. While humorous, I replied “close, but not quite”, patting his arm and I started to walk away. He laughed and said something to the effect of “oh, well ok” and grabbed my hand. I turned around and before I knew it he was saying sweet things and got down on one knee asking if I would marry him.