On a cloudy summer day in Baltimore, Maryland, just days after Josh packed his things and moved from the hills of West Virginia to Charm City, he opened his account on OkCupid and spoke to a beautiful woman from Reisterstown, Maryland. After a few conversations, he decided to ask Mara, who would become the love of his life, to a date at The Grill at Harryman House. This simple lunch date was one day before his Birthright trip to Israel. While in Israel, he spoke to someone living there, and he met his wife while living in Baltimore. Josh had mentioned that he was talking to someone from the Baltimore area during the trip. Remembering that conversation he had in Israel, he decided to find out if that special place guided him to his future. After meeting once more at The Anthem House, the rest is history. Fate would have it that her birthday would fall on the very next day after his Grandma Bernice passed away. Mara and Josh are blessed to celebrate their special day with all of the wonderful people in their lives who have supported them through the years and helped make this day possible.

Mara and Josh's family all went to Long Beach Island New Jersey to have a fun weekend. We hung out by the pool, went to the beach, and had some delicious meals. On Saturday June 18th, Mara, her parents, and Josh's Mom spent the day together, while Josh and his Dad had father son time. During that time, Josh was getting ready to pop the question. He went to the beach and wrote out "Will You Marry Me" in the sand. He had to to do it several times because the water washed it away. Eventually he did it successfully and was ready for the celebrations to begin. Mara and the family came back and Josh told her that he wanted to hang out at the beach for a few. Mara changed into some different clothing and they were on their way. During their short walk to the beach, Josh reminisced over the last 4 1/2 years. Once they got to the beach, Josh put the beach bag down and he said "Babe what's that over there"? Mara saw the Marry Me part but not the rest and put two and two together. Josh then got down on one knee and popped the question. Mara sobbed and said YES! Mara didn't see the ring at first because there were so many tears in her eyes. But once she did, she was so excited, and it was everything she wanted. There was a family next to us that clapped and congratulated us. Eventually the whole family walked to the beach...including Josh's family dog (Casey). Casey bolted towards Mara with such excitement because he knew that she would be his new official Sister. We then went back to the beach house, popped open Champagne, and had a beautiful seafood dinner to celebrate. After we listened to music and had some drinks, Mara and Josh called their friends and family to tell them the great news. It was such a wonderful night that we will never forget.