The term "high school sweethearts" comes to mind when most people describe our relationship. We met in 2006 at Church Camp near Big Bear through some mutual friends. It's amazing that we never met prior to this day because of how many mutual friends we discovered we had. We survived a snow storm and drank milkshakes alongside our friends that weekend at camp. The night of the snow storm, Joe walked Carissa back to her cabin and ended the night with a hug. Two months later, Joe asked Carissa to breakfast at Johnnie Jr's but under one condition, they both had to wear pajamas to breakfast per Joe's request. Joe showed up in an oversized t-shirt and shorts and Carissa...well, she was dressed up. That was the day he asked her to be his girlfriend back in 2006. Joe took Carissa on a surprise trip up to the mountains August 30th 2015 for her “birthday”. Little did Carissa know, Joe had an elaborate plan of a proposal. He pulled off the side of the road at the Rim of the World to see the view and take some pictures (was actually a video). That’s when Joe got down on one knee! Joe packed a picnic lunch for us to enjoy after our hike to Deep Creek with our dogs. Thirteen years have passed by, 5 moves later, culinary school, paramedic school, Joe's fire career starting & 4 years engaged...ITS FINALLY HERE!!