Love is patient, we are not.

It was a beautiful 73 degrees at the Botanical Gardens, the Monday before Christmas when we said I do. The ceremony was simple and sweet, led by Casey's Aunt Mary with just our parents and siblings by our side. Although an intimate ceremony was not what we originally had in mind, it ended up being exactly what we dreamed of. Surrounded by love, near and far, we let our love for one another and the excitement for our future lead the day. Many faces were missed and dinner was much quieter than when we are all able to be together but as the Phoenix sunset took over the desert sky, we realized it was still the best day of our lives.

In 2016, we both decided that we wanted a change and ended up in North Carolina. Jon settled into Army life as I, Casey, started school for a new career. Only a few months later, on July 4th weekend we met downtown and became the best of friends. Being far from our hometowns wasn't easy but our connection grew stronger through holidays and long weekends at the beach together. A few years and several accomplishments later our chemistry was undeniable and living separate lives was no longer a choice.

A few weeks after moving into our new home in Tennessee, Jon asked if I wanted to go hiking. Not thinking much as that is a normal weekend activity for us, I said yes but that day wondered why we were driving so far past Nashville. Jon checked in to the Evin's Mill property in Smithfield and picked up a packed lunch to go. A few hours later with the beautiful Carmac Falls as a backdrop, he laid a blanket to setup for a picnic. He was nervous and I could tell something was stirring. As the crowd grew around us, we decided to walk down a private path where he got down on one knee. I blacked out a little but I can remember him referencing the cute family playing with their children in the watering hole beside us and saying "I want that, with you". I said yes shaking but without hesitation.