It all started with a message. During a virtual training for work, Joann broke the ice with a bold declaration: “I think we’re meant to be friends.” Jacob, calm and collected as ever, went along with it—and just like that, a friendship began. We both work in finance as Trainers, so our paths continued to cross. Over the next year, we became coworkers and close friends, bonding over our shared love of witty humor (I Think You Should Leave, anyone?) and plenty of laughs. But somewhere along the way, something shifted. Jacob, steady and thoughtful, started to feel like more than just a friend. He felt like home. The first time Jacob asked Joann on a date, she didn’t even realize it was a date and turned him down (oops). But Jacob, ever patient and kind, tried again. The second time, she got the memo—and said yes. Our first official date was dinner at Maggiano’s, followed by drinks with friends at a nearby bar. By the end of the night, it was clear: this was something special. Jacob is Joann’s calm in the chaos, and Joann is Jacob’s favorite kind of adventure. Together, we bring out the best in each other, laugh until we can’t breathe, and feel like we’ve known each other forever. We’re just two peas in a pod, and now we can’t wait to grow old and weird together.

We got engaged in the most fitting place: Paradise. Literally, Paradise, Michigan! We were staying in a cozy cabin in the woods right on the shores of Lake Superior, and the setting was nothing short of magical. On our very first night, Jacob couldn’t wait any longer. He’d been holding onto the ring for months, waiting for the perfect moment—and now, it was finally here. As the sun started to dip below the horizon, we spread a blanket on the beach and sat together, watching the waves roll in. After a while, I suggested we pack up and head back to the cabin, and Jacob nervously agreed. But as soon as we gathered everything and started to walk away, he suddenly dropped everything into the sand, grabbed my hands, and froze. He looked so nervous but also so happy and excited. Then, he reached into one of the bags, pulled out a ring box, and opened it — upside down. For a split second, he panicked, thinking he might’ve dropped the ring into the sand, but thankfully it was still safe and sound. He flipped it right-side up, and there it was—the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. I was so shocked, all I could say was, “Really? Are you serious?” Jacob, now more nervous than ever, gently reminded me that I still hadn’t given him an answer. Realizing my whoopsies, I laughed, yelled, “YES! Of course! You’re my person!” and kissed him before tackling him in a hug. That night, under the fading light of the Michigan sky, we officially began forever. It was perfectly imperfect, just like us, and I wouldn’t change a thing.