Charlie and I had talked a few times, but we didn't get to really know each other until one summer when we hung out in the same friend group. There was a group of 5-6 of us who hung out all the time - swimming at the pool, going out, salsa dancing, grilling out - almost every day of the week. Neither of us was interested in the other at the beginning. We enjoyed the friendship that came as a result of being in the same friend group, but that was it. As that summer came to a close and fall began, we all kept hanging out although it seemed to be slightly less than before. People got busier and suddenly there was no guarantee that everyone would be there every time. I started hoping that Charlie would be there when I went to hang out. I didn't think anything of it, just that he was a good (attractive) friend, and he seemed to make everything more fun.


Fast forward a few months to a road trip we took with two good friends of ours. The road trip should have been fun and easy-going, but ended up rather stressful for all of us with several bad things happening (i.e. the car breaking down in the middle of nowhere, and different stresses and irritations occurring). I took off walking down some dirt roads in the middle of Florida one night to escape from it all and blow off steam. Charlie gave me some time and then came to find me to make sure I was okay. I had been wandering around lots of dirt roads that I was unfamiliar with, but somehow we both got lucky and he ended up on the same one. He knew I was upset so he took my hand and let me talk for about 20 minutes straight (he showed his patience several times that trip lol). That was actually the first time we'd ever talked just the two of us, and I was surprised at how easy it was to talk to him. We walked some more and then found a small lake where we sat down and preceded to talk for hours, until early in the morning. I felt so comfortable with him, and he was so sweet and made me laugh a lot. We both felt the spark and wondered why we hadn't realized (or at least admitted it) before.


The next day I kept thinking about how great he was and how much I wanted to talk to him and get to know him better. We went on another long walk that night and talked until the early hours again. After that trip, we spent as much time together as we could, getting to know each other better. I was so thankful that we had gotten to know each other as friends first - I didn't feel like I had to act a certain way around him because he had already seen me for such a long time just being myself. I loved that he was always up to do anything - kayaking, dancing, going to a festival, exploring a new part of town - and that he put his heart in everything he did. I was also impressed by the way he always treated everyone with kindness and respect. There are so many qualities in him that I admire (those only being a few). When he asked me if I wanted to be his girlfriend, and later wife, the answer was an easy one.


He proposed in Paris on the Pont des Arts, which is known as the lover's lock bridge. It was nighttime so everything was lit up and the Eiffel Tower was flashing in the background. When he asked me, I said "Yes, of course." I've never been more sure about anything.

My side of the story would pretty much be the same as Tati's as for how we met and how the relationship evolved. So, I'll switch it up a bit and give a few of the reasons why I chose Tatiana. We were friends at first and then at some point she became irresistible. I mean, I wanted to be with her all the time. I thought of her as a friend and then slowly and somewhat inconspicuously, an attraction developed. The funny thing is, before we were in the same friend group, I remember running into her at occasions years before and never thinking anything of it. Honestly, I think maybe I thought she was snooty or something. Whatever the case, I was wrong.


After getting to know the real her (or possibly the mature her and mature me), man oh man was I wrong. Do you want to know who Tati is? Tati is about action! She doesn't let anything slow her down and she's fearless (sometimes she scares me) and I love it! It takes me out of my comfort zone and opens me up to new things I would've probably never experienced without her. I love going on adventures and trying new things with her.


She's an encourager. Through whatever trials we face, she maintains a positive outlook and sense of confidence. I think mainly because her faith is so strong. She prays about some of the "small things," that I would never even think of. Those things strengthen my faith because I see them come to fruition in her and our lives.


She's a lover. She loves dogs mostly, but some humans she loves as well. Just kidding about that, she loves being with people and just getting to know them and have fun with them and create memories. She truly cares for so many people and it shows.


She's genuine. You know what you're getting with her. She's not afraid to tell it like it is when needed, or to stand up for the right cause. I've seen her do it many times.


I could go on and on... anyone who knows her knows she's an adventurous, world traveling, fun loving, sarcastic bundle of joy. I'm so blessed to be marrying this woman. She really is a light to my life and I look forward to traveling and adventuring through this life with her. I've never been more sure about anything or anyone. I love you Tati.


I can't wait to celebrate this special time with so many of our close friends and family! We are so blessed to have all of you in our lives!