We met in the spring of 2021 through mutual friends—neither of us expecting to find something so special. That first evening, we were more or less nudged into spending time together, but it didn’t take long for a spark to ignite. As we talked, we discovered how much we had in common: a deep love for family and friends, a passion for music, and a shared affection for animals. From that night on, we were inseparable. One of our earliest dates revealed Justin’s love for karaoke—he serenaded me with a George Strait song, and I was completely smitten. Not long after, we took a trip to Talladega Speedway to watch the NASCAR races and for Justin to meet my family. Soon after, I met his daughters, Lilly and Lina, and seeing him as a devoted, loving father only deepened my admiration for him. We were head over heels. One summer afternoon, after a fun-filled day by the pool, Justin looked at me and said those three little words: “I love you.” From that moment on, everything just fell into place. The rest, as they say, is history.
In the summer of 2023, we planned a dream vacation with friends to the breathtaking islands of Turks & Caicos. Our resort was tucked away on the secluded shores of South Caicos, where it felt like we had the entire island to ourselves. It was paradise. On our second night, we organized a group dinner and decided to take sunset photos on the beach beforehand. The sky was painted in soft pinks and golds, and the ocean breeze was perfect. One by one, couples took their photos, until it was just Justin and me. After snapping a few shots, I started to walk away—hungry and ready for another drink—when he gently grabbed my hand. I turned around to find him down on one knee. My heart skipped a beat. “Are you serious?!” I gasped, completely caught off guard. I had no idea he’d been planning this for months! Of course, I said yes. He was so adorably nervous, even asking, “Which hand does the ring go on?”—a moment that made me love him even more. After the proposal, Justin had arranged a private dinner just for the two of us under a pergola on the beach. The chef had curated a special menu inspired by the island’s local cuisine. It felt like a scene from a movie—intimate, romantic, and unforgettable. Later, I found out he had been carrying the ring in the back pocket of his shorts the entire time. I still can’t believe he managed to keep it a secret!