We met through a mutual friend in the summer of 2002 while we were in high school. We instantly felt a connection and had a very early 2000s courtship, e.g. AIM, emails, group outings with friends. In the fall of 2002 we started 10th and 11th grade in the same high school and got to see each other more often. On September 24th, we officially became boyfriend and girlfriend and we never looked back. Since then we have grown together through MANY years of school and a few interstate moves. But throughout it all we have always been best friends and enjoyed spending time together everyday. 20 years strong and we can't wait to continue to spend the rest of our lives together!

Two years ago we had a big trip planned for Karinna’s birthday. She had been mentioning for years that she wanted to take a trip to Costa Rica. We finally decided to go and had booked our trip months in advance. The trip was planned for April 2020. We all know what happened in March 2020. The pandemic started and with it all travel plans had to be canceled. We were disappointed but thought, we’ll just reschedule the trip for her birthday next year. This will be over by then right? April 2021 came and we’re still not able to take the international trip. Since we weren’t able to take a vacation, I planned a staycation for her. I got us a beautiful suite in a hotel in South Beach. When we arrived at the hotel we had to quickly run out to make it to the dinner reservations I had made. We had a great dinner experience in a romantic setting at the Versace Mansion. Karinna didn’t know it but I was rushing us out to dinner not just to make the reservations, but because I had coordinated a surprise for her with the hotel staff. When we got back to our room it was now decorated with rose pedals and had champagne waiting for us. With Karinna reacting to the surprise set up, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me.

We are getting married on our 20 YEAR anniversary!!!