We met around December 2008 through mutual friends. We were actually both in other relationships at the time and spent a lot of time together in the same group of people. The more we were together, the more it became apparent how much we had in common and enjoyed being around each other. Coincidentally, neither relationship ended up working out. We became great friends and Corey decided to take the friendship a step further by asking me to be his girlfriend on May 23, 2009 while in Missouri at my Grandparent's lake house!

As an early graduation gift, Corey planned a surprise vacation to Excellence El Carmen in Punta Cana! We were so incredibly excited for this trip and for time to relax on the beach. As the trip got closer, I began wondering if this is it?! Is he going to pop the question?! It was going to be the perfect opportunity for a beautiful proposal so why wouldn't he?! The night before we left, I took it upon myself to check Corey's bags to "make sure he packed everything". Actually, I was straight up digging for that ring. The fact of not knowing if it was going to happen or not was making me extremely anxious. After searching every pocket and shoe, or so I thought, there wasn't a ring and it was JUST a vacation - not a proposal. I was so disappointed but had to stay positive and assume Corey had another plan for a future time. During our first full day in paradise, Corey mentioned he had a surprise for us. He took me on a helicopter sight seeing excursion and the views of the Caribbean were absolutely breathtaking. The experience of being in a helicopter was terrifying and exciting all at the same time. While I was taking in the views and snapping some pictures, I heard Corey's voice come over the radio to say that he had a question. When the tour guide asked what his question was, Corey's response was, "actually, the question is for my girlfriend". At the time, I was looking out my own window and thought in my head, "what the heck would I have the answer to?!". Completely confused, I looked over at Corey and he had a burgundy ring box in his hand with the ring in it we had picked out together years prior. I instantly burst into tears and Corey asked me if I would marry him! I'm not positive if I said yes at that exact moment, but I know for sure that I kept repeating "OH MY GOD!!!". We then got to spend a week in paradise celebrating just the two of us!