Joey and I have known each other for a very long time, 16 years in fact. We met in third grade, and he swears he told his mom he would marry me one day (haha). In middle school, our mutual friend Haley got us back in touch. We would hang out often, from our playground or pool, to the mall (sorry Joey), and we always had the most fun together. Joey became my best friend; I mean he would text me no matter what crazy things were coming out of my teenage mouth. We dated on and off during middle and high school and regardless of where we were at, we always remained best friends. As I left for college, we were left only to see each on holiday breaks. Then my first year in dental hygiene school, Joey relentlessly pursued me and wasn’t going to give up without a fight. To be honest, I was scared of the risk it could have on our friendship but boy was it totally worth the risk. Four months into our relationship, Joey got in a terrible ATV accident and suffered a serious back injury. Joey was left paralyzed, and doctors told us he would never walk again. He was transferred to Shepherd’s Center, where the staff took exceptional care of him. I remember being terrified, thinking about what he must be going through. But as I look back, I mostly remember his perseverance. By the grace of God his strength and determination was rewarded, and Jesus provided us a miracle. The love of my life would walk again. When I saw those traits come out in Joey, that’s when I knew. I knew these would be the traits he would bring to our relationship: to lift us up when we struggle, to always fight for the covenant we made to God, and to always fight for us. I knew he was the one for me. I knew I wanted to be his wife. His accident made our relationship stronger, instead of breaking us, we grew together and I realized I needed him more than he needed me. It’s been three years since his accident and as we continue to grow together, I know our love will only get stronger as we start our next chapter.

For Christmas we went on an unforgettable and truly magical trip to Costa Rica with Joey’s dad, Dana, and his three step brothers. For those of you who know me, know how much I love to travel and see other cultures. It’s probably the thing I crave most in life. Joey (being the guy who knows me best) knew this would be the perfect spot to pop the question. On day three we had, what I would consider, the most perfect day ever. It started by taking a 2 hour drive through cities and jungles across Costa Rica. We had an awesome tour guide (shoutout to Lenburg). He told us about the different species we would pass, the history of the country and how it got to where it is today. He showed us schools and told us about some personal memories he had growing up in his hometown. Finally we made it to our first destination ZIP LINING THROUGH THE JUNGLE! It was incredible! We finished 7 different zip lines, and the smile was plastered to my face through it all. We then had locals give us snacks and freshly brewed coffee, we changed into swimsuits and hiked through the jungle to the top of a homemade water slide which we then slid down. Once again that same smile plastered to my face! We had the most delicious local lunch YUM! And then took a ride to the hot springs where we relaxed with a mud bath, steam room, and a margarita in hand. We made it back to the room, and I was exhausted to say the least. Joey asked me if I wanted to take a walk on the beach and reluctantly I said yes, not knowing what was awaiting me. It was a beautiful sunset with his dad and Dana hiding in the bushes. Joey dropped to one knee and before my eyes was the most perfect ring with the most perfect man holding it. I didn’t think my smile could get bigger than it had been all day, but I was proven wrong. It truly was an incredible day with the most magical ending. The perfect proposal assured me I was definitely marrying the most perfect man!