The very first moment Devon and I met was so indicative of the woman I would fall in love with and treasure every day. Before I could even introduce myself to her, she offered me a slice of her pizza – and that was where it all started. The small gesture may have been an easy in at the time to start a conversation with me, one that would end up lasting for hours, but it was also just the beginning of the unimaginable thoughtfulness and unconditional love I would receive from another human being that I honestly didn’t believe could exist. She’s the perfect balance of strong and sweet. And Oh Dear Lord is she patriotic! Which sure is a blessing when your career to serve your country has been all consuming for a good part of our relationship and she has handled it with patience and grace. I could continue on about all the reasons I love Devon everyday for all of her many qualities, but her ability to fearlessly love me even on my worst days is by far her most amazing trait, and it humbles me that I receive it from such a beautiful bright blued eyed German girl.

I was in the bath with candles lit and a glass of wine when I was convinced to give my sweats a night off and come to a friend’s birthday party. Little did I know that night was going to change my life forever. I remember Dan walking over to our table of girls. I thought, “Say something, do something, he’s so handsome!” In the middle of eating some cauliflower pizza, I quickly finished chewing and without knowing who he was, I asked if he wanted a slice of pizza. It was that moment that he “stole a slice of my heart.” No, but really we talked for hours and hours. There was a slight intermission when he went over to the bar to get us a drink. I noticed a few girls walking over to him and chatting. Again, there was no way I was going to let this blue eyed, devilish smiling man slip by me. So….. I started winking. Here’s the thing. I CANNOT wink. So either he thought my attempt at winking was cute, or he felt sorry for me. Either way… it worked! Dan is the most incredible man I’ve ever met. There was something completely different about our relationship. I could be myself with him. I could be goofy with sweats and pimple cream on my face, and Dan would still look at me sincerely and say, “You are the most beautiful girl in this world.” Dan bought me the best present I’ve ever received…. baby Tucker. (Don’t be fooled, I think he got me a puppy so maybe I wouldn’t text him so often!) However, the joke was on him because he fell in love with Tuck Tuck, too and is the best doggy daddy. We quickly became best friends. In fact, almost every night we have a corny ritual (Sorry Dan). I say, “Best Friends? And he responds, “Forever.” It was initially a joke, but God was the only one laughing! He knew.

When thinking about marrying Dan, I imagined standing in the shimmering snow, with Christmas lights aglow and nothing but stillness. I imagined an intimate moment where all of time stops and we read our vows to each other. That moment will be ours to cherish for the rest of lives. It’s not traditional to go off with just each other, but with much thought and prayer, it’s exactly what God has in mind for us. We are SO fortunate that we can celebrate with everyone we love and cherish a few months later. All of this would mean nothing if we didn’t have everyone who supports us and is truly happy for our love. I know there is already a Dan fan club with my mother as the President! I’m so grateful to spend Memorial Day weekend with our friends and family celebrating. For those who know my parents, this will be a party you won’t want to miss!! We are beyond excited to introduce our parents, families and friends to each other!

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” There is no doubt we will love each other deeply for the rest of our days.