We met in the Summer of 2017. If a phone call is considered meeting. She started a new career with the company where I work as an educational trainer. I liked her cute accent which I couldn't quite peg to a place. I admired her enthusiastic desire to learn everything. Kristen was, and is, very smart, which I find irresistible. Most people divulge their personal relationship status after a few training calls with me so I was curious why she didn't mention dating anyone. I just figured that she must be better than most at keeping work separated from personal. Still, I wondered how could this gorgeous, smart woman be single. After we finished our twelve week training course it was November, 2017, when I heard from her again via a wonderful, friendly and casual text message that caught me by quite by surprise. We continued to catch up through texting for awhile. I found her totally intriguing, funny, kind, smart and... uh...available. I finally got up the nerve to ask whether she was dating anyone. Thankfully she wasn't. By late December our phone calls were daily and the mood definitely changed. I wondered if she, in all of her glorious being, was really interested in exploring more than friendship. Thankfully, she was. During one especially great phone call, she invited me to make a trip out West "sometime this year" to attend a San Diego Padres baseball game. Fantastic; I had been waiting for any reason... excuse... to see her in person. So when she gave the invitation, without hesitation and without confirming that's what she meant to say, I hung up the phone and booked a flight to San Diego. Departing Friday, March 16; Asheville to San Diego. It was a long plane ride! But there she was waiting for me at the bottom of the escalator in baggage claim. I am sure that there was not another human being in that airport other than the two of us. The first glance, the first embrace, the first kiss. It was truly love at first site. And I am the luckiest woman in the world!

It was truly a perfect day in every way. I guess everyone says that, but this one really was. One of the most spectacular views in Asheville is the Biltmore Estates with its sprawling landscape of hills, mountains, flowers, a vineyard, trees, and waterscapes, On March 16, 2019, it was freezing cold when we climbed the hilltop to reach a small concrete bench underneath an old oak tree. The most amazing thing happened minutes after we sat; we looked at each other and asked, "did you feel that?" We had each felt a marked and sudden warmth in the air. We believe God put His arms around us at that moment. First I got on one knee and make an impromptu proposal, then Kristen's spoke a loving, well thought out proposal. It was so cool that she incorporated words from our favorite songs into the proposal. Yes, yes, yes... she said yes! We cried and hugged all the way as we walked towards the big tree on that hill. That tree was one reason I picked the location. Its shape was very much like the tree behind my grandparent's (Bean) home where I spent lots of my childhood swinging on its huge, low hanging limb and just contemplating. The Biltmore tree was a connection to my deepest roots and feelings of family. To that point, the event of our proposal was the happiest day of my life. Like the tree our love has continued to grow and strengthen.

Dear Friends and Family, We wanted to update you since we are still living with the coronavirus. It has been difficult for everyone. Our intention is to have the wedding sometime in the first half of 2021. Check here for updates or simply text us. If you are no longer able or feel uncomfortable traveling or attending, we understand. You'll be in our hearts. We will update you if the circumstances change and are looking forward to celebrating together. Be well. Be kind. Take care. Love, Joyce & Kristen 904-521-5054 (J) and 619-251-5500 (K)