The bride and groom met while both completing a yearlong internship at Young Life's Southwind Camp in Ocklawaha, Florida. Throughout that year, the two became best friends and quickly realized that there was a spark. The camp is in Central Florida between Ocala and The Villages. For those of you who don't know, The Villages is one of the largest retirement communities in existence. The area has almost any store you would ever need, as well as community squares and activities for the locals and "snowbirds." As interns, we often enjoyed venturing to see what the latest happenings were in "town." This quickly became one of our favorite places to go, whether it be a day off or just for dinner.

After their internship ended, Steve was hired to stay at Southwind, while Sara decided to return to teaching in Ocala. Periodically, the two would go to The Villages and reminisce on the previous memories that were made there. When it came time to propose, Steve knew this had to be the place to do it (as quirky as that sounds).

Steve asked Sara on a date (which was suspicious in itself) to a local favorite restaurant near this area. On the way to dinner, Sara vented about her day of crazy student behaviors, all the while Steve didn't hear a word. Steve drove by the restaurant they were supposed to go to, adding to Sara's previous suspicions. For once, however, Sara didn't say a word :). Once they arrived at their favorite square, the couple realized they had just joined a St. Patrick's Day parade and festival (in the middle of the largest retirement community). Sara kept trying to take pictures of what was happening, while Steve continued to be awkwardly quiet and somewhat paranoid of his surroundings.

Steve then took Sara to a gazebo on the lake where they used to escape to sit and talk throughout their internship. Steve was so nervous, that he pointed for Sara to look at a local restaurant. Sara didn't understand what he was pointing to, but by the time she could ask, Steve had gotten down on one knee. Steve looked at Sara nervous as can be - he did not ask, but simply stated - "Marry me." Sara of course said yes, then heard cheers from the direction he had been pointing. The family that Sara lived with were hiding and watching, taking pictures of the special moment and celebrating with them.