It was love at first "like". (Photo that is) Just when we thought dating apps were the dumpster fire of our generation... we were one of the lucky few out there that found exactly what we prayed for in the end. Our first date was June 9th 2023... and it was one neither of us will ever forget. We met at Revolution Mill (Kau) for dinner. Talked for HOURS and didn't want to leave! We both knew it was going to continue from there and sure enough it did. We immediately planned second, third and many more dates. The month following Juan met my parents and that night he asked me to officially be his girlfriend. It truly felt like the classic fairytale. He always would tell me, "I'm all about timing". Things progressed and we got to enjoy a summer of getting to know one another and exploring a new relationship. The summer came to a close and Cole arrives back from his summer in Iowa, and I knew it was time to introduce him to "mom's new friend". This is a major part of our story, and one that can't ever be skipped or left out. Cole's opinion of Juan was one I knew I needed full confidence in. Juan got to meet the original "man" in my life and they got along like best buddies 🤗 my heart couldn't have felt more complete. To this day Cole has grown to cherish so much time with Juan, create a bond, and look up to him for many important things. Juan's involvement with Cole was something I couldn't have ever imagined, especially being how genuine it is. His love for Cole is unwavering and undeniable, all through his actions toward Cole every day. Another major part of our story is how our faith has been one of the bonding points for us. Juan's testimony immediately grabbed me when we first met. We both shared a strong love for the Lord and knew we both wanted to grow closer to one another but also closer to God through a passion for the Word and Worship! We began connecting more and more through reading scripture, growing in our prayer lives, and learning how Gods character shines most through our obedience to His will, for us. We were able to enjoy worship nights, get connected to one another and share our love for the Lord openly and passionately. Throughout the past year, we grew significantly. As individuals and as a couple. With occasional challenges, trials, and tribulations we have worked hard to get to the point of where we are today, as a couple. Skip forward to October 6th 2024!!!!! ENGAGEMENT. Juan surprised me significantly, at a lakeside restaurant with my family nearby to bear witness. It was special to have our moment alone but also to get the love and support from those nearby who got to watch it happen! His kind words (as much of a blur as it was), will stick with me forever. He lead with "remember how I always have said I have a timing for everything, well this is THAT time" and he got down on his knee and proposed! The day that brings us here, planning to celebrate the biggest day of our lives combined. We cannot wait to continue our story, into married life together! Marriage is JUST the beginning!!

Kau, the restaurant in our photo, was the restaurant where we FIRST met. As said in our "love story" we spent the entire evening there just talking and getting to know one another further. Near the end of the date we walked across the main bridge and sat over on a bench near the small bridge (pictured in our photos). This is where we then chatted for another few hours, and eventually decided to walk across the small bridge to the other side. It had gotten chilly at that point, and we had a blanket, that Juan graciously wrapped around us. He then looked me right in the eyes, grabbed me by my face, and gave me the most special first kiss EVER. In that very spot, we got to share a kiss on our one year anniversary AND in these photos. We wanted to capture a moment together where we began our love story, and I'm so grateful we got to share it with all of you! This time around, it's the beginning of the next phase of our lives, and Cole got to also be included in this experience! Which was SO incredibly special.