I reflect on the many voices that shaped my view on life and love. The constant among those voices was to find someone who made love “easy”. Not suggesting love, relationships or marriage isn’t hard work. But rather, when things are right, when the person is “right”, they unfold as if you weren’t even trying. Preston and I met in April 2020 after being set-up by Preston’s fire station buddy, Jake and his now wife, Paige. It was the middle of COVID lockdown and I was helping Paige exercise her horses several days a week. One afternoon I jokingly mentioned that it was a bummer her husband Jake didn’t have a brother because he was such a great guy and I needed my own great guy! Well little did I know, that’s when the plotting began. Days later Preston and I were invited over to their house for dinner. Honestly, I don’t remember a whole lot from that evening, except I was nervous as heck, and hated the small talk (as usual for me). At the end of the evening Preston walked me to my car and asked for my number. A couple days later he texted me and set up our first official date. At first I would say our interactions weren’t anything out of the ordinary. He and I went to the barn to rope his horse Ace, dinner once or twice and several random meet ups in between. Preston was kind, handsome, held similar interests, and was sarcastically funny. But it wasn’t until late August of 2020, when I made the 2.5 hour drive to his new house for dinner and “back-roading” (driving on back country roads with the windows rolled down and country music playing) that led to an incredible conversation and me realizing that I had deeper feelings for him than I originally expected. That night's deep conversation and fun together began the start of us seeing each other more often. We still to this day don’t know when we officially started dating, but somewhere along the way he and I became boyfriend and girlfriend. Today typing this, I reflect back and can tell you that life is so much sweeter together. Preston makes me a better person. Our relationship has been like an unfolding rose. Slowly opening and unfolding and ending up exactly where I believe God intended - to be married. We laugh constantly, annoy each other daily, and take each day in stride (something that Preston had to teach me, lol, I am not a naturally laid back, low stress person). I cannot fathom life without Preston holding my hand. He is my calm presence, cheerleader, sounding board, and best friend. And when I reflect on our time together, I now understand what the meaning of love that is “easy”. On behalf of Preston and I, we cannot wait to celebrate this happy occasion with our favorite people. Many of whom have walked faithfully beside us for years. Without our Heavenly Father, parents and each one of you, we would not be here. Therefore, may our wedding be our BIG thank you to you! Much love, Paige & Preston Preston’s contribution of "Our Story" --- "I love Paige I love Paige I love Paige"