Welcome to my hometown of Winter Park, Florida located on just 600 acres of land in Central Florida! Chartered in 1887, the city was originally developed as a winter resort for wealthy Northerners seeking refuge from the harsh winters and a tranquil place to live.  It is now home to about 28,500 residents. Considered one of Florida’s finest cities, it is famous for its stately trees, abundant parks, brick-lined streets, spectacular homes, vibrant lakes, and fine shops on Park Avenue!

Although we attended the same high school, we didn't notice each other until that one night on summer break in Orlando. I was entering my sophomore year at Ole Miss and JJ was in his third year at West Point. Our story began on a random summer evening when we joined two high school friends at a Brad Paisley concert. Little did I know, we would be inseparable for the rest of that summer! Next came JJ's Military Ball weekend in New York City where we really fell in love. JJ and I feel like we've endured and mastered our long-distance relationship far too long. Navigating and persevering different colleges, military assignments and even an overseas deployment, we can't wait to spend every waking moment together in one place. As an Army Officer, JJ is stationed outside of Austin, in Killeen Texas, where I will work as a Speech Therapist. He is guaranteed time off in December, so in just a few months we will tie the knot and say, "I do"

While JJ was serving our country, I was busy working toward my Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology. I told JJ that I didn't want to think about an engagement until he returned from his deployment in South Korea, and I got my masters degree. Check and check! Upon arriving home from my graduation, JJ immediately went into readiness mode by pulling me outside to give me his "graduation present." Unsuspecting, I stepped outside to play ball with our dog, Eli. JJ nervously opened the gift bag, pulled out a handwritten card and began reading the sweetest sentiments. Shocked, I forgot to listen! He got on one knee and presented me the most perfect ring. I immediately swept him up in disbelief! I cried later that evening once I finally read the card. It was, by far, the happiest day of my life!!