Hunter’s family visited my church for a childrens event that took place over a few weeks. I saw him and thought he was cute. I took particular interest in his blond hair and blue eyes. But, alas, I didn’t see him for years after this meeting… although I did think about him. I even wrote in my diary one day about all the boys I liked… and if I had to choose one to marry, I said it would be Hunter (true story).

So there I was, minding my own business in middle school chorus class when this new kid walks in with blond hair and blue eyes. My beloved music teacher introduces him to the class: “Everyone, please welcome Hunter to our chorus!” My jaw dropped. Not literally. But it certainly felt like my world just exploded. The kid I had known 4 years ago and had been thinking about ever since just walked into my chorus class (plus, I was a little dramatic in 8th grade.) I introduced myself to him, very smoothly and confidently, of course, after class. Little did I know I would be seeing a lot of him between school and the new church I was attending.

After 4 years of steady friendship, we couldn’t wait any longer. We began dating in early November and went on our first official date in Boston that December. We wandered around Boston and he gave me a sweet necklace. Don’t get me wrong— no relationship is perfectly picturesque. That was also the time we had our first real argument because I so confidently directed us in circles through Boston and got us successfully lost. To this day, I have never been allowed to give directions.

“Want to go on a walk on the beach after church today?” “It’s kind of cold…” I whined. “Come on, let’s do it! It’s sunny. We can get ice cream, too!” Hunter pleaded with me. “Fine.” — 2 hours later — With a beautiful ring on my finger, my friends and family cheering, and my newly-titled fiancé holding me, I am very glad we went on a walk that day.

We are so looking forward to celebrating the beginning of our marriage together this August 💕