Joshua was home on pre-deployment leave, Iraq-bound with a brand new niece to visit. Back home in South Haven and bored out of his mind, he threw out a line into the deep dark abyss known as Tinder, hoping for someone to hang out with, have a few drinks, and help pass what would've been a horribly boring evening. Madison was at home with her sister for the evening with nothing to do the night before having to fly to Georgia for her cousin's wedding. She also happened to go on Tinder hoping to find someone to at LEAST chat with. After some humorous conversation, the two ended up meeting halfway in Saugatuck at the Coral Gables. He had cider; she had a Sex on the Beach. She was terrible at pool, he was an excellent coach. Three hours later, one unexpected kiss on the local playground sealed the deal.

For their second anniversary, Josh and Madison packed up and traveled 6 1/2 hours to Hocking Hills State Park. Three days and two nights of bugs, hiking, 90 degree heat, and one overly crowded swimming pool. On the second day of their trip, Hike #3 was to Old Man’s Cave and the Upper and Lower Falls that fed into it. Josh had made several comments about wanting to get to the Upper Falls, that location and thise photos being what spurred the trip in the first place. After a long hike down to the lowest point of the caves and back up, the two finally arrive. A gorgeous waterfall with an arched bridge above feeding into a bright blue pool. Well, it would’ve beeb more gorgeous without the small children whipping rocks at eachother and nearly hitting other tourists (Madison included). Josh wanted to wait them out for some good pictures... and eventually they did leave. Josh asked a nearby couple to take some photos, and after some awkward shifting of poses and difficulty getting the ring box out of his shorts, he popped the question! Madison’s first response before enthusiastic head nodding and yes’s... “I knew it!”