Philip and I met while working as corrections deputies at the local jail. I won him over with my mountain lion knowledge. "Did you know mountain lions can whistle?" I asked. And that is when he knew I was the one.

On our first vacation alone as a couple, I took Philip to my favorite place in Illinois - Shawnee National Forest. When we arrived at Garden of the Gods, Philip asked if I had a favorite spot in my favorite place and told me to take him there. I took him to my favorite look out spot. We sat there enjoying the view. The next thing I knew, he was kneeling behind me. He asked if I knew that he loved me, if I knew he always would, and that he wanted to commit to me. He opened the ring box (upside down, but then he corrected it) and asked if I would marry him. I asked if he was sure. He said yes, so I said yes. He also thought I could plan a wedding in 60 days. Challenge accepted.