We're getting married!

As many others, our story began at our place of work. We found ourselves working side by side a good amount of the time. As weeks went by we found ourselves growing closer and closer. The more we talked, the more we noticed we had in common. We enjoyed talking about sports, going to concerts, adventuring to Disneyland and having deep conversations over a beer or two. Before we knew it, we fell in love and boy did we fall hard. Over the next few months our love grew into something neither of us have experienced before. And we knew that this wasn't just another average relationship.

Maddie was glowing the first time I saw her. She stood out to me like a lonely sunflower in a meadow, and I knew I wanted to plant myself next to her and enjoy the silence. Little did I know that was only the start to something unbelievably special and exciting. Because of her I have seen so many new things and experienced a plethora of new emotions. From the upbeat parades of Disney's Main Street to the thundering waterfalls in Niagara Falls. From relaxing walks on California Beaches to the roaring crowds in Fenway Park. I knew this was different, and something I needed to capture and hold on to forever. In October of 2018 I stumbled into a store nervously with a big task on my mind. After sorting through dozens of diamonds, finally I found a stone that glowed the same way she did the first day I met her. That ring burned a hole in my pocket for weeks. Anxious and devoted I waited for the perfect moment, and then the perfect plan came to mind. A new adventure was unfolding, and I couldn't wait to turn the last page of our first book, and move on to our sequel.

We decided to spend this Christmas morning with my family in California. The tree spewed with presents and the decorations gave off such an innocent aura. There was one special present hiding in the waves of wrapping paper and bows. It was so difficult to sit there patiently and hide the excitement in my voice as we passed gifts out one by one. Many gifts were given that received their typical "oohs and awes." But as the pile diminished, my heart rate increased, because I knew the time was near. I handed Madeline her final gift, a small thin rectangle that contained such love. With one hand in my pocket and the other around her back, she tore the package open to find a "Book of Love." A book that I designed specifically for her, to express just how much she meant to me. Each page depicted a reason I loved her, with a cute image on the right page. On each left page she found a hand written explanation to further explain and portray my love. Page by page our hearts grew as we read the entries together, but she had no idea what surprise was coming. She couldn't see the ring box being squeezed in my nervous hand, but how could she? She was far too engaged in the story laid out before her. Finally the last page was coming, and it read one simple line, "Will You Marry Me." She turned to me expecting it to be a joke, and said "is this serious?" She was so shocked, she didn't even notice the popped open ring box sitting in my palm right in front of her. After a few moments of disbelief and disorientation, tears filled her eyes and she exclaimed "YES." My eyes were overtaken with emotion as well. And as we embraced each other, we knew our lives were changing forever, and we loved every moment of it.

Where do I even begin? I suppose from the very start. I was just an average girl living my average life. Flipping burgers, working every day and living what I thought was my best life. And then I met him. With a simple “Hi how are you”, I was infatuated. As corny as that may sound, I just knew. His cute little smirky smile complimented by the little sliver of hair sticking out of the front of his hat. The way his shirt hugged those muscular arms. I knew I had to have him. He was loud and outgoing. Cocky if I must say so, but I liked that about him. He would come into work everyday with the most energy and motivation I had ever seen in anyone! At first, it was just a simple crush. No big deal I would tell myself. Then I got to know him and came to find out that there was a huge heart under all that tough guy skin. I tried taking it slow since I didn’t want to get hurt but I fell into the love trap. Soon enough I was spending everyday with him and if we weren’t together, I was wishing we were. I had never felt this way about anyone before and it scared the crap out of me. I took the risk. About a year in we went to Disneyland for what seemed like the 100th time, but this time would be special. After a long day at the park we go sit down to have my favorite Disney corndogs. I can feel him looking at me, so I ask him what’s wrong? He just looked at me and told me he loved me. Now I had known for a while that I loved him, but I am also not one to rush anything. The smile on my face must have been unreal. I was happier than I had ever been! From there on out everything was perfect. A few years later and we were engaged. I can’t say that before I met him, I truly knew what love was. Not this kind of love anyways. Unconditional, do anything for one another, real love. I don’t know what the future has in store for me, but I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side on the journey. I’m marrying my best friend.