I got on The Carnival Celebration cruise expecting sunshine, relaxation, and to come back 10 pounds heavier. I definitely didn’t expect to meet my other half. And before it even started, I was already confused… I thought I’d seen two different girls before we boarded, but turns out, it was just her. (But that’s a story for another time.) Same girl. Twice the impact. Our first real moment happened on the Lido deck. I was up top when I saw her dancing completely in her own world, carefree. I couldn’t help but smile. I made my way down, thinking I’d go say something, but I ended up next to a friendly woman and struck up a quick conversation, not realizing I was actually talking to her mom. A moment later, she smiled and said, “Hey, this is my daughter Kendall.” Kendall turned around, smiled, and there was this twinkle in her eyes I’ll never forget. We shared a quick, genuine hug then she turned away with a sweet shyness that stuck with me to this day. We didn’t spend a ton of time together during the cruise, but the moments we did share felt incredibly natural. So natural that it caught me off guard. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was looking forward to the next time we’d hangout together. Funny enough, several random passengers assumed we were already a couple, stopping us to say how cute we looked together. We just laughed it off every time, thinking it was funny… I guess they saw something even before we did. What began with a few shy smiles, awkward laughs, and cruise ship encounters blossomed into a truly romantic connection. We didn’t plan it, chase it, or force it. It just happened. And now, here we are, not just a cute couple strangers mistook for being in love… but two people who actually are. We’ve traded in cruise cards for wedding vows, and we couldn’t be happier.

I first met Cortland on a cruise ship with a group of about forty friends, all somehow connected through mutual friends and relatives. Before the trip, people kept telling me, “You’re going to think Cortland is so cute,” and I just brushed it off with a “Yeah, okay.” But boy, were they right. When I finally saw him in person, I was caught off guard by a wave of shyness, and all I could manage was a quick little “Hi” before I turned back to dancing with my family like nothing happened. I honestly didn’t expect much more. Later that evening, I made sure my hair, makeup, and outfit were all perfect for dinner (and, of course, I showed up fashionably late). When I walked in and realized Cortland was sitting at my table, I got nervous and excited all over again. Part of me was hoping for a second chance to make a better impression and thankfully, I got one. From there, we just clicked. I remember texting my cousin, trying not to seem too eager, while Cortland was doing the same with his friend. We were both secretly trying to figure each other out through other people. Every day that passed on that cruise, I found myself more and more drawn to him. There was just something undeniable about Cortland. After the trip, we kept in touch, and what started as a fun connection quickly grew into something deep and real. Cortland became my best friend, my peace, and the person who always brings out the best in me. He’s thoughtful, genuine, and has such a kind heart. He makes me laugh, makes me feel safe, and always reminds us to keep Jehovah at the center of our relationship. Now here we are, preparing to say “I Do.” I couldn’t be more grateful to have found my forever partner in him.