we're renewing our vows

Taylor and Josh's story is their own 21st century fairy tale. That is, if you call a Tinder date and spending the next hours together a fairy tale. They met on Tinder, a Marine's favorite social app, and talked for a few weeks on the app before deciding it was okay to exchange phone numbers. Taylor had dinner plans on May 20, 2016, but they ended up falling through, so our couple made plans for dinner. However, Taylor was afraid she was being catfished, so she asked Josh to send her a picture from right then. Little did she know Josh's selfie game is pretty weak. She was thinking "AHH, what did I do?" but still agreed to meet him in person after some heavy debating and maybe they even argued a little (okay, a lot. But would it be the couple we know and love if they hadn't?) Anyway, the night they chose to meet was a rainy, Friday night at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Porter's Neck. Tay saw Josh and his big, brown eyes was like "DANG!! That picture he sent me did NOT do him justice." But before they went inside the restaurant they sat in the car and talked... for three hours! All while Taylor sat as far away from Josh as she could. But they finally decided the car wasn't the best place to continue their date, so they went back to Taylor's house and watched Alice in Wonderland, which eventually led to their matching Cheshire cat smile tattoos. A few days later, Taylor threw Josh into the deep end and introduced him to her mom, Tracy when she brought Taylor her Jeep. Tracy tried to give him a good scare, but she knew if Taylor had willingly spent more than a few hours with him and he was still around, there must be something worthwhile there. From that day on, the two love birds have spent nearly every day together. Well until Japan happened... but that comes later.

They decided after a year it was time to ask Taylor's dad for permission to take Taylor off his hands. Anxious to be Josh's wife, she told him that he should just call Craig to ask. Josh gave her that side eyed look and said if he was doing this, he was doing it right-in person. After talking to Craig, he went to buy the perfect engagement ring (the one Taylor made sure he chose) and hid it at home in a place Taylor was unlikely to look and she wouldn't be able to see or reach without maximum effort. Josh taunted her with whether or not he actually bought a ring so she searched for her precious. She even looked exactly where it was hidden! Luckily, Josh was there, diverted her attention, & convinced her the ring was in the attic. This discouraged her search and time passed. While the original plan was to propose on the beach with their friend there to secretly take photos, and commemorate their moment, a family emergency forced them to return to Rockwell. Knowing the date of his station change was approaching, he decided to bring the ring, in case an opportunity arose. The toe of his boot was the hiding spot he chose and Taylor unknowingly packed it in the trunk. On the 17th, Josh kept the ring in his pocket, anticipating a perfect time to ask. Everyone was going back and forth from the porch to the kitchen, cleaning up from breakfast and Taylor and Josh ended up alone on the porch. Tracy, Taylor's mom, acted as if she was going to lock them out so Taylor turned her back to catch the door & Josh knew it was his chance. He got down on one (injured) knee, ring in hand. Tracy and Emma both freaked out and fumbled with their phones for pictures. Taylor turned around and before Josh could say a word, she shouted, "NO!" They laughed and Josh finally asked "Taylor Hope Ritchie will you marry me?" She smiled and yelled "Yes yes yes!" & Josh slid the ring on her finger. They hugged and kissed and everyone rushed to the porch to congratulate them.

After the proposal, Josh and Taylor planned a quick, but beautiful beach wedding that was set on July 14, 2017. They planned this wedding, so they could officially be bonded together (forever), before Josh had to leave for Japan, in the hope that his time away might be shortened (didn't happen #marinelife). Because it was planned so quickly, they were only able to have their bridesmaids and (some) groomsmen and their immediate families there as witnesses. However, our couple still wants to celebrate their marriage with extended family and friends, so they are renewing their vows. The renewal will be presented just as a classic wedding would be: ceremony, cocktail/wine hour, and reception. They hope everyone will be able to attend. LET'S CELEBRATE! #ForeverFarve