We're so excited to celebrate with you!!!

Both of us stand in awe at how the Lord orchestrated our meeting. Rebecca was given a month of free membership on a Christian site, paid for by another guy who wanted to talk to her. Justin was sent a free trial, which he found in junk mail while looking for a code for Amazon. (The email was right below it). After about 2 weeks of long emails back and forth, sharing about ourselves and faith, we knew we wanted to meet in person, both cautious of each other's authenticity. (It was the only bright spot for Rebecca after having lost her grandmother during this time). Justin arranged for us to meet and take me out to dinner at the Ivy Inn restaurant in Charlottesville within 15 minutes of Rebecca saying that she needed to just show up and he would plan everything. Shocked at such a fancy first date, Rebecca realized that Justin was a romantic and that he was setting a precedent. This side of him was also in keeping with all that she was learning about him. Feeling bad about keeping him waiting a bit, a nervous Rebecca came up the stairs in a beautiful dress, anticipating the evening. Justin stood up and gave her a hug, pulled out the chair for her, and had a single red rose by her place setting, both of which spoke to Rebecca, affirming his romantic side. Sparks flew and conversation flowed, which included a momentary pause of about 10 seconds where our eyes locked. We talked for 4 1/2 hours, closing the place down. The conversation continued in the parking lot for a while longer and we parted ways with a hug (at 1 am in the morning), secretly hoping that our lives would be significantly altered.

Justin & I had decided very early in dating that we wouldn't decide anything for the future until at least a year. We didn't want to drag out dating for years nor date only a short time. After a few months, Justin surprised me with a weekend trip to Virginia Beach. We started to fall in love from then on. Due to Covid, our June vacation plans changed and once again he took me to VA Beach! After Justin sought the Lord about proposing, he surreptitiously found out my ring size while I remained unsuspecting of his plans. I kept dismissing all thoughts of proposals, figuring that we hadn't crossed the one year mark, nor had I met his family. Yet, during this time Justin was once again scheming. All the jewelry stores remained closed, so after much research he found the perfect ring online. On our third vacation day, we walked along the boardwalk, praying for our nation. It was during this time the Lord confirmed to me how we were aligned spiritually and solidified what I knew about Justin's strengths. Later that evening, we went out to dinner & I "happened" to wear the same dress as our first date. (I had been saving it for another special occasion). I asked during dinner what we were celebrating. Without missing a beat, Justin said we were celebrating 11 months together, being on vacation, & me eating lobster mac for the first time! LOL It was drizzling that evening, but the Lord gave us a rainbow (see photos). I went up to change & Justin went to grab the ring. We found each other on the shoreline and small talk ensued. Justin started sharing about how glad he was to be with me & I quickly realized the shift into seriousness, once again dismissing thoughts of proposal. He mentioned calling my Dad and then took my hand, gazed into my eyes, and quoted Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice - when he proposed to Elizabeth. My heart melted as he said loved me for the first time. He stood me up and he got down on one knee and proposed! Time stopped. Heart pounded. I said YES!