Let's try this again!

I wish I possessed the writing ability of a romantic novelist, but unfortunately, I have not been blessed with such a skillset. If I had been, perhaps I would be better able to explain the circumstances and emotion behind Cody and I's love story. Simply put, we met at University. Cody was a member of the Pioneer Program, a scholarship program for gifted students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). By sheer happenstance, a close friend of mine from the same hometown was also accepted into the same program. It was through this mutual friend that Cody and I met. Sometimes when I remember how much of a fool I acted to vie for Cody's attention, I can't fathom why he bothered to continue getting to know me. I am more conservative and shy by nature, but I tried acting more outgoing and boisterous, believing that to be more desirable than the former. Well, possessing little to no dating experience at the time, I most certainly came across more intensely than I intended. Cody will still tell you he was convinced he was going to lose a Wii controller one day when we were playing Smash Bros. I would just like to say I completely understand the disproportion between my fierce competitiveness and lack of skill; With that being said, I just vocalize that disproportion when I get frustrated at a game but I have NEVER lost my self-control. Anywho, to get back on track, Cody somehow, in some way, was able to move past my foolishness to become my friend (although he claims he never once referred to me as a "friend" because he didn't want to jinx it). We remained connected through summer break watching movies together while on Zoom, and then went on physical dates when we went back to University. On October 3rd, 2013, we went for a walk around the campus late at night. We've come to discover we both had the same intentions that evening, I just happened to beat him to the punch when I asked him to be my boyfriend. The rest, as they say, is history.

I knew I was in love with Cody fairly early-on in our relationship, and I didn't keep it from him. I understood there was a chance admitting my feelings so early may create uncertainty in our relationship. I just felt so overwhelmed with emotion, I just HAD to tell him. The moment I knew, we were sitting in a movie theater watching one of the Thor MCU movies. I looked over at Cody, and this overwhelming feeling filled me up from my toes all the way to the top of my messy bun (the higher the bun, the closer to Heaven). I just knew there was no other place I wanted to be other than right where I was in that moment. That's how I knew. Cody may be better able to explain how he knew at our wedding, so please feel free to ask him. But from what I understand, he was walking back to him dorm room at night after class, and on his way he saw a shooting star in the sky. He said he knew because the first person who appeared in his mind that he wanted to tell was me. My gosh, WE ARE THE CHEESIEST CHESSEBALLS. :)

In preparation for asking the all important question, Cody was incredibly thoughtful to seek out the help of my best friend and Maid of Honor, Sarah. She stealthily obtained important information for Cody, such as if I wanted a private engagement, or in front of our loved ones, what style and cut of ring I would prefer most, and from where, etc. Sarah was instrumental in the success of our engagement, though I would have said yes even if presented with a Ring Pop. Although, my engagement ring is absolutely gorgeous. It is a single, solitaire diamond, with recycled diamonds inlayed Channel-style within the white gold band. Better still, he purchased the ring from MiaDonna, an affordable, sustainable, and ethically-sourced jeweler committed to eliminating sales of conflict diamonds and promoting innovation in an outdated industry. Cody and Sarah knew how important it is to me that I know exactly where my ring came from and I can feel proud to wear it every day. To learn more about MiaDonna and their incredible mission, please feel free to visit https://www.miadonna.com/ for more information. Cody asked me to marry him in Yarmouth, on the dock of the Royal River Grillhouse on our 5 year anniversary. It was a beautiful, private moment we will always remember. He later revealed to me he took a shot of liquid courage (whiskey) just before we left for dinner. Prior to this night, I had already concluded I would be spending the rest of my life with him, even if he didn't propose. So, I just assume he was more worried about making a fool of himself, though I had already made a fool of myself early on in our relationship. Who's really a fool, if they're a fool in love?