Absolutely insane to think it was that long ago. After many many years of dating, we have been asked this numerous times, so here it goes. We were both at Collin College taking a few classes, one of which was a volleyball class to fill our physical education credit. After a couple of weeks, we began going to lunch with a group after class was finished each day. We laughed a lot and got along great and continued this for a couple of months. Neither one of us was necessarily looking for a relationship at the time, but we both felt that this was something too good to not go for it. Paul and I went on our first date on October 11, and we began officially dating a week later.

We had talked about our future many times (mostly Amanda talked/planned and Paul listened). The biggest thing that Amanda had always asked was for it to be a surprise, and that it not be a big crowd. We went to eat at one of our favorite restaurants, and when we got back we were going to watch a movie. Paul called Amanda over to another room and when she walked in he had a wooden box in his hand. Amanda had never seen it before, but still had no idea it was a ring until Paul opened the box. He got down on one knee and the rest is history. We couldn't wait to tell everyone, and immediately shared with our families and closest friends. It was all worth the wait, and we cannot express out excitement to keep the celebration going with all of you!