A year ago, I met JoJo in a way I never expected. We had crossed paths through a college ministry, but it wasn’t until sand volleyball started that we really connected.

JoJo had this quiet, easygoing presence that seemed to draw people in. As the season went on, I found myself looking forward to spending more time with her. What started as casual interactions turned into early arrivals at practice, friendly banter, and, eventually, something more.

When I finally asked JoJo out, I was surprised when she said yes. Our first date felt almost surreal—an evening on the beach, with fireworks overhead and the kind of sunset you only see in pictures. It was in that moment that I realized how much I cared for her.

Over the next nine months, our relationship grew, with trips that ranged from a day on the lake sailing to an unforgettable adventure in Iceland. Each experience deepened our connection, and on April 8th, 2024, I asked JoJo to marry me. From there, everything fell into place—a story of love that neither of us could have predicted, but one that we both cherish.