Growing up I was told to not trust everything I see on the internet and to not trust the people I talk to until proven otherwise. Fast forward to February 14, 2022, when John and I met, while living in Austin, on a dating app. It started with lots of texting and late-night phone calls and never wanting to be the one to hang up first.

With Johns love of cooking and my love of eating our favorite past time is trying new foods either out at restaurants or at home.

We have definitely had influence over each other. I encourage him to read more, and he has exposed me to playing more video games. Overall, we are creating a life together that is at its core is about spending time together and having cozy hobbies.

When I lost my job in 2023, the month before we were going to move in together, I thought my situation was going to be too much of a strain on our relationship. John took it in stride and moved in with my mom and I while I found another job. The next step in my career led me to the DC area and I thought then for sure he wasn't going to leave the life he had built for himself. By that point in our relationship, I knew I wanted to be with this man for the rest of my life. He drove the moving truck from Texas to Virginia, with the help of his best friend Brenden, so that I could focus on my new job and not miss any days because of the move.

John planned the most "us" proposal that I could have ever asked for. It started with us spending time with our friends, taking pictures at the botanical gardens in DC. The girls then kept me occupied while the boys went off to set everything up. We then went to our favorite farmers market in Eastern Market that began the scavenger hunt through it that led me to one of my favorite bookstores. The clues where videos of my family that gave pieces of a riddle that led me forward. He proposed in the basement of the bookstore surrounded by our friends and family that flew in for the occasion.

Every day he not only tells me how much he loves me but also takes the time to show me. I know I have found the man of my dreams and can't wait to spend our forever together.

V&J