We’re getting married!

“Don’t lose this.” Though she was smiling her infectious Lindsay smile, Josh knew she meant business. He smiled back and silently resolved that he would neither lose that pen nor the connection he’d just made with the beautiful freshman in Econ class. Lindsay didn’t want to lose the connection either, and not just so she could keep tabs on her favorite writing utensil. The two decided they’d team up to tackle Econ — no sense in studying the dense material alone. It wasn’t long before their conversations moved beyond markets to life and their academic arrangement turned into a friendship. How could it not have? They had so much in common: Both Josh and Lindsay were student-athletes — he played baseball, she softball — and then, as now, they both cared deeply about their people. Who then, as now, cared about them right back. That’s why Tommy (one of Josh’s best friends) and Marian (one of Lindsay’s best friends) conspired to send our bride and groom on their first actual date. Enough was enough, Tommy and Marian had decided, these two lovebirds needed to admit that’s what they were. It felt the way their friends had known it would all along: Meant to be. Which is exactly how becoming boyfriend and girlfriend felt, too. The ease that characterized Josh and Lindsay’s relationship was only reinforced when they met each other’s families. The first time Josh met Lindsay’s father, it was at the Pizza Hotline in La Plata, MD. Not only did Mr. Heinze immediately embrace Josh, but he also immediately put him to work. As she watched her boyfriend tie on a blue apron and start rolling out dough, Lindsay couldn’t help but giggle. She had known Josh would get along with her family members, but she didn’t realize how fast he’d become one. Josh felt the same way when Lindsay met his parents. She was joking around with them just seconds after shaking their hands; it was clear they felt they’d known Lindsay their whole lives. And that made it clear to Josh that this incredible woman was going to be his wife. 6 years and countless concerts, family gatherings, and adventures later, Josh was ready to ask for Lindsay’s hand. It was important to him that he consult with all of the important men in her life first, so after talking with her father, brothers, and grandfather, Bubba, he went to St. Ignatius church to pray near Mr. Heinze Senior’s resting place. Once he’s secured everyone’s blessing, including Mr. Heinze’s from heaven, Josh arranged flowers, champagne, and logistics so he could surprise Lindsay at 7835 Chapel Point Road. It’s hard to believe, but when he picked up his fiance-to-be and drove her to Mammy’s house, Josh — even-keel, cool-as-a-cucumber Josh — was filled with jitters. Lindsay knew something was up. It just wasn’t like Josh to keep asking her for directions, especially to a place he’s been hundreds of times before. Her suspicions were confirmed as they pulled into her grandparents’ driveway and she caught the words, “Will you” spelled out in giant flower letters across their backyard. Lindsay burst into teary, giddy, whole-body laughter. So did Josh. The rest was a formality — of course she’d be his wife! The two bounded into the house where Bubba was the last to hear the happy news. (And lay eyes on the absolutely gorgeous ring.) “I’ll take good care of your Linds,” Josh promised. Bubba knew he would. The couple made their way back to Lindsay’s parents’ home, where they were greeted by a huge gathering of their friends and family members. And fireworks. That milestone, like every milestone in Josh and Lindsay’s beautiful relationship, had been celebrated alongside their people. The love that Josh and Lindsay share is true, deep, and expansive: It weaves together and is woven into the fabric of their communities. That’s why they can’t wait to ring in the next phase of their lives with you. P.s: Josh still has Lindsay’s pen.