Nine years ago my mind’s eye of perfection casually walked by me on a crowded Ft Lauderdale street it stopped me dead in my tracks. This blonde haired blue eyed stranger surpassed everything I thought I knew about physical beauty. She matched the beauty only with a presence, sense of confidence and a smile sent just enough in my direction to change my life forever. I turned to my friend and inquired if he knew who that was? I heard nothing of what he said as my eyes were locked on the most beautiful woman I have ever seen standing just 20 feet from me. Almost without thought, and certainly without plan in a euphoric fog, I began to walk towards her. I snapped out of my intrigued filled stroll with the realization that this encounter might change my life forever, and I had no idea what to say. A nervousness I have never felt before almost crippled me. I had nothing… and just before the awkward approach became overtly clear I uttered a simple “Hi my name is Blake, what is your name?” You pleasantly but guardedly replied with your name, Candice. I tried to offer an observational joke, I attempted to engage your friends with the thought of extending this moment in time just long enough to get your phone number so I can plan a much a better next encounter. End on a high note, was all I could think, don’t ruin it, and hope that phone number is really hers. From that moment, our encounters began more organic, and when they didn’t I must confess I always perked up if I heard you might be around, often changing destinations to run into you. The more time I got be around you, I was only drawn to you more. Getting to discover more about you other than your striking and what I consider flawless outer appearance. Over the years getting to know what lies under her impeccable appearance lied a truly giving, funny, carrying, intelligent woman that would make me see the world differently. I am truly in love with you, I could not feel luckier to have you accept me, love me.

Blake and I had discussed getting engaged after he bought us our beautiful first home. And as all of you know Blake likes to make things fun and is always very original with his ideas. Around mid September he started playing Duck Duck Goose with me around the house. However it was always Duck...Duck... and never Goose! I had come to the conclusion that when he said "goose" that was when the engagement would happen. So on a random Saturday date night we went to our favorite restaurant Valentino's. (We also had our first official date there as well ) I didn't think it was the type of place to play Duck Duck Goose so I didn't think anything of it plus we go there fairly often. We had a wonderful dinner with all of our favorite foods and then he said we have to go I have a surprise for you! So we left the restaurant and ended up right next to a gondola on the inter-coastal. I was super excited since Blake doesn't always share my love for boating. We had an amazing romantic boat ride and then all of the sudden we came to a complete stop the Gondolier (yes it's an actual thing) said we had hit something and needed to call Seatow! I was so upset that this had put a damper in our romantic date night. The Gondolier reaches down in the water and pulls out this bottle then hands it to me and tells me to open it. To my surprise in that bottle was the most beautiful love letter from Blake. When I was finished reading it with tears in my eyes he was down on one knee and asked me to be his WIFE!!! It was the happiest day of my life!!! I can't wait to marry my best friend and THE LOVE of my LIFE!!. We thank each and every one of you for coming to celebrate Blake and I becoming Husband and Wife. It is going to be a magical weekend filled with laughter, memories and a whole lotta love.