WE’RE GETTING MARRIED!!!

I still remember the exact moment we met. Josh and I were both in our junior year at Christopher Newport University. It was my 20th birthday and we were attending the college lacrosse, "Farmal," (Formal on a farm, get it?) I somehow ended up behind the bar at the perfect time and Josh asked me to make him a drink. After a few social media interactions, a homemade pizza date, a couple trips to Plaza, and lots of laughs, he officially asked me out on June 22nd, 2017, after driving up to CT to see me.

Josh had made the nine hour commute in his old Nissan up to CT to see me during the summer of 2017. We hung out by the pool, took a trip to Block Island, and spent quality time with my family. In an afternoon laying by the pool, (he couldn't wait any longer) Josh finally decided to ask me to be his girlfriend.

While in the middle of nursing school, Josh's sister, Cary Anne reached out to us saying she saw a post on Facebook offering a free dog to a good home! With nothing but a desire for a dog and a leash we picked up at PetSmart, two days later we picked Benny up in a Big Lots parking. Our then small ball of fluff melted right into our arms and we couldn't imagine our lives any different. He has taught us patience and team work as a young couple and keeps life interesting. Keep an eye our for Benny walking or running down the aisle!

Growing up, I went to Lake Gaston in North Carolina with my family every summer. When Steph and I started dating, she was quick to get the invite. She fit in perfectly with everyone and enjoyed traditions like days on the water, cooking up good food, and late-night card games. The summer before the engagement, we had the idea of having both of our families enjoy time at the lake and invited the Case's to join us for the summer of 2021. I started planning when I wanted to pop the question and knew that the week at the lake would be the perfect time for both families to be there and celebrate. I got the ring, asked Alyssa and her parents, and got the green light. The moment was perfect, everyone got ready for "a big family picture” and I took the opportunity to get down on one knee and make the best decision of my life. She said yes through happy tears. Now, Lake Gaston means even more to both Steph and I.