Our first date began at Let's Meat, Korean BBQ, Joseph's recommendation! Little did we know that we would be cooking our own food and getting to know each other in quite a loud atmosphere, but it was definitely a fun start. We met on a dating app, Hinge, and hit it off as we shared our passions and interests. The second date was set up before the first one ended, and the rest is history...

It all began when I questioned my mom for wanting to get our nails done before our Sanibel trip. It wasn't typical for her to suggest a manicure, so it seemed a little fishy to me, but she handled my question like a pro. I no longer had as high a suspicion. Joseph continued to push my suspicion away after I made comments about other people getting engaged. He and I were on a walk (the day before he proposed), and he showed his concern about me seeing other people getting engaged, and he explained that he wanted to be able to provide for me and care for me, and he wouldn't know that he had a job until Fall 2020 when the airlines released more information. This was the best thing he could have done. I literally texted one of my friends, Kylie, and said, "It's not going to be until the fall". But little did I know he was drawing my attention to detail away so that I would be surprised the next day! Our morning began with a run to the Sanibel lighthouse where Joseph subtly mentioned, "We should come back some time to take a picture here!" I agreed, and was a bit confused when he wanted to go back that night already--but I truly thought he just really liked the lighthouse. It was the most beautiful night for a walk. The sunset painted the sky with blue and pink. As we neared the lighthouse, Joseph pulled a letter out of his pocket, and it all hit me. Uncle Stu, hidden nearby with his camera, captured the best moments, and we shared the rest of the week celebrating with family!

Early on in our relationship, I was informed by all of Amy's family that it was impossible to surprise her, and from that point forward, I knew that it would change my proposal from great to incredible if it could be pulled off. Amy's intuition was nothing to be underestimated though. The plan was simple but special--a beach side proposal next to the picturesque Sanibel lighthouse with family close by waiting to celebrate the engagement as well. Amy did not make the plan simple. Our walk to the lighthouse was a little over a mile away, and she wanted to drive "so that we wouldn't be sweaty for the picture". Trying to keep my cool and to not let on to my plans, I convinced her that the walk would be nice and dare I say even romantic. So, we began the journey all the while with the ring signifying my commitment to the woman I loved burning in my pocket. We approached the spot where I had planned on proposing, and short of that spot, Amy suggested that where we were was good enough for the picture! Still trying to remain calm, I pushed further, and we finally reached the perfect spot. I stopped and handed over the letter I had prepared, had her read that letter, and to her SURPRISE I knelt down and asked her to marry me after affirming that everything in that letter was true. I told her "she is the most beautiful godly woman, I love her and want to spend the rest of my life with her"--and the rest is history.