Although we have known each other since middle school, we were not exactly high school sweethearts. In fact, Jake and I probably didn't speak for the first time until the summer before college when we began to hang out in the same group of friends. At some point, Jake finally pulled the trigger and asked me out to dinner....we went to TGI Fridays and it was incredibly romantic (Jake doesn't even remember this being our first date but as he will admit, he doesn't have a great memory). Once he finally asked me to be his girlfriend in May of 2013, we enjoyed more dinner dates, movie nights, hikes, concerts, and more. We moved through college with our amazing friends, graduated, moved in together and welcomed our pride and joy - our blue heeler, Alfie.

On Saturday, March 7th, my plan was to go to a surprise retirement party with some girlfriends. When we walked in, the place was empty and quiet. It wasn't hitting me that I wasn't actually at a retirement party. I kept walking started to notice rose petals scattered around leading to the double doors into the ballroom. As I got to the door, I could hear our song "I Can't Help Falling in Love" (years ago, I told Jake this was going to be our first dance song at our wedding). Even with the song playing, I was STILL not convinced this was really happening. I opened the doors and there was Jake in the middle of the room surrounded by roses petals and candles. I didn't think I could be happier until I looked behind us and our families were there watching the whole thing (and crying, of course). It was so special having my dad there for that moment and we can not wait to be back at that very spot to say our vows.