I fell in love with Simeon so easily. From our very first day at the coffee shop I worked at, we had so many things in common and we never ran out of things to share with each other. I had previously downloaded the dating app called Hinge that summer, not really thinking anything would come of it. But of course, I met Simeon, and our connection was instantaneous. From then on it just all happened so quickly. I met his friends and they quickly became my friends. I met his family and they quickly became like family to me. It was just so exciting, dating a man that shared my values. He loves Jesus and pursues his faith, he cares about the world and wants to make a change in peoples lives. As time went on we eventually became more serious and decided to officially start dating. Learning more about each others thoughts and fears, we grew closer and closer. Going to church together and volunteering at the coffee bar, having game nights with friends, and talking about our future together. I knew early on that Simeon was the kind of man that I had beeen looking for. He had all the qualities I pursued and some that I didn’t even know I needed. I remember having a conversation with my parents a few months into our relationship. I was expressing to them that I was wanting to marry Simeon. It was all so clear, I found the man that compliments my personality. I had no doubts that we wanted the same things in life. In September he proposed on the beach with his grandmother's ring. It was such a special moment, a moment that solidified our love for each other. Lots of joy and tears that day when we celebrated with close friends. Simeon has trusted me with his heart and we have built a life together that is so amazing. As we continue to put faith in God, our relationship has just sky rocketed. I look forward to building a home together, traveling, watching movies in our pajamas, and passing out at 9pm because we’re both old and don't stay up late. I cannot wait to be able to celebrate with our friends and family!

Looking back now, everything seems to fit together perfectly, like puzzle pieces falling right into place as we met. I remember two years ago wandering lonely from one dating app to another, wondering if I would ever find "true love." Is there really a romantic partner out there for me? How much longer will I have to wait? I had been in and out of relationships, and after a few failed dates, between you and me, I was starting to lose hope in finding my future wife. But the next moment, I found myself in the Cherry Lane Lucky Perk coffeeshop, and I was talking to this beautiful girl named Olivia Jansen. Sorry, just Liv for short. And from that first day I haven't been the same person. From the day that we had our first meeting in person, I thought there was something special, but I didn't know what it was. I knew Liv and I had connections. We liked similar music, we had some mutual friends (if her brother counts) and we were attracted to each other. But when we went on dates walking together, going to shops and restaurants, I saw how she treated people. Her care, her tenderness attracted me. When I met her family, I saw that she came from an amazing group of loving people that I would be thrilled to join. I was pulled in by welcoming arms, and I felt lucky to have found Olivia when I did. It brings tears to my eyes thinking about who I would be today without Olivia in my life. Her relentless love for me has chased me down even when I tried to run away. When I didn't feel like a strong enough man, she would lift my chin and tell me that I'm enough. When I would question my beliefs, she would listen to my thoughts and offer sound guidance to pursue God's will. When I failed in my own eyes, she saw down to the best of me, and has pulled me up many times already. Olivia's profound, unmoving love for me has made it so easy to love her back. Asking her on the beach to become my wife and life partner is such a joyful memory, and it brings me fresh energy thinking of our lives intertwining in marriage. I know that keeping to the vow every day in our lives will be the adventure, and that words are more easily spoken than actions. But I know we believe in the same thing, and that gives me hope and trust. I can relax in knowing we both believe in Love. We both choose Love, as we choose each other, and I give my all to you.