Some would call this a modern love story. Josh lived here in Grand Rapids and Madeline had just moved up to Grand Rapids for her new job at Head Start and her volunteer position at Helen Devos childrens hospital in the NICU. Madeline decided to go on an app, bumble, as a way to meet new people because she was in a new city. She saw Josh's bumble profile pretty quick and her first message to him was calling him basic for liking Captian America over Iron Man. They bonded over their love for marvel really quickly, not yet realizing the lifelong team up they had just started. They went on their first date a week after messaging each other. It was a memorable date because Madeline could tell Josh was very nervous and he kept asking the same question over and over again. Madeline thought it was adorable. Walking out of the theater, Josh mistakenly took Madeline out the wrong door and had to walk over half a mile, in the freezing cold, to the other side of the River town mall to get to their cars. They made it to their cars and kissed goodnight. It was a great night overall. A few days later, they were suppose to have dinner and see a movie for their second date. Madeline went skiing that afternoon with friends before the date and ended up getting her car stuck on top of a rock. As silly as that sounds, it was true. Meanwhile, Josh thought he was getting blown off with one of the worst made up excuses he'd ever heard when Madeline said she could not make it due to this predicament. Madeline had to call a tow truck to lift the car off of the rock without damaging it, whilst also sending Josh picture evidence of the car on the rock so he would believe her. It all worked out because they hung out the next day to make up for the cancelation before. A few months later they begin to hang out more and more. They made their relationship official May 1, 2021. Josh and Madeline decided to go out for a Sunday Funday towards the end of May. That is where she said, "I love you" for the first time to him drunkenly. She did not know that he said it back. He remembered that she said it and did not bring it up again because she was leaving for New York for the summer and Josh knew she would feel embarrassed. Madeline found out half way through her time in New York for the summer that she said it and panicked but then thought that it was okay because he was still talking to her. For 3 months they hinted the "L" word in letters and when Madeline got back from New York that is where they officially said, "I love you." Fast forward three years; the feelings have grown stronger with each day together. Within the three years, they got two of the sweetest dogs together (Hazel and Milo), moved in with each other, and have had many memorable travels together. In August 2024, they were getting professional photos together and Josh had this plan for months to propose to Madeline on the beach at sunset. It was the final photos of the day and the photographer, who was a friend of theirs, was in on the big plan. She told Madeline to turn around and Josh was already on one knee with the ring. It was so beautiful and was the best surprise. They are beyond excited to continue growing and build their lives together.