You could say they were college sweethearts, as this love story begins at Carleton University. Natasha had just moved to Ottawa, ON, starting her first year at the university, and Justin was in his second year. One day, Natasha had returned to her residence room on campus after class and her roommate wanted to invite over a couple people from her hometown. Natasha was happy to host her roommate's friends and agreed to the plan. Justin was among the group of people her roommate had invited. After a crazy night and maybe a few too many drinks, everyone else had either went home or fallen asleep, but Natasha and Justin stayed awake. The two continued to have conversation, discussing details about their lives, what they envisioned their futures looking like, and about anything that came to mind. The next day, Natasha woke up late, and Justin was gone! Disappointed, she went to grab her laptop from her desk, and she noticed a small purple sticky note that wasn't there previously. On the sticky note, all that was written was: “Text me!” and Justin’s number. Natasha laughed, but was hesitant to text him, and naturally she made a pros and cons list with her roommates on whether she should text this mysterious man. Her pros and cons list helped her gain the courage text him. A small purple sticky note had been the beginning of forever… love really does comes around unexpectedly. “I really wish I kept that sticky note, but I never expected I’d meet the man I’d marry at 18 years old.” - Natasha

Justin and Natasha had made plans to spend New Year’s together at her Dad’s cottage. She'd been away from Ottawa in December 2020 for almost one full month, spending time with family, so this reunion was exciting as the couple normally would never spend much time apart. Justin had repetitively mentioned that he had “a surprise” for her, and she was suspicious of what the secret surprise could be. Natasha nagged him over and over again to discuss details with her regarding his travel to the cottage, what their plan would be, etc., and all he would say is: “Don’t worry about it, I’ll be there before the ball drop [on New Year’s Eve] and we’ll all have a great time.” On New Year’s Eve, Natasha paced waiting for Justin to arrive, excited to see him. The time was ticking closer to midnight, and she worried he wouldn’t arrive in time for the countdown. Luckily, he did, with less than an hour to spare. Before she knew it, the countdown was about to begin. As everyone was ready to ring in 2021 together, Justin walked away from the festivities and went downstairs. Confused, and a little upset, Natasha called for him to come back upstairs. Justin made his way up the stairs at the last few seconds to seal away 2020 with a New Year’s kiss. Right as Natasha was about to ask Justin why he went downstairs during the countdown, Justin spoke… he was proposing! 2021 had begun just moments ago, and surrounded by family, Justin had asked Natasha to spend forever together. She said, YES! Excitement filled the room, as everyone wished one another “Happy New Year” and congratulated the couple. Champagne was popped and the couple celebrated not solely the beginning of a new year together, but also the beginning of many years to come, always and forever.