We're getting married!

The year was 2012, and I’ve decided to join Renton High School’s Cross-Country team. And there she was, captain Joy Noelle Barnes – one of the fastest runners in the team. Joy always had the most beautiful smile and the most approachable personality. Since day one, it’s always been apparent that Joy has the heart of an angel and someone who truly cares for those around her. Some years past – It’s now 2015, we’re 20 years old and Joy and I start dating. It’s obvious at the time that we’re both far too young with bright futures ahead and unfortunately decided to work on ourselves and go our separate ways. Fast forward to 2018, I’ve graduated college and as fate would have it, Joy and I reconnected. In the back of my mind, Joy has always been the most beautiful, loving and believe it or not one of the FUNNIEST people I’ve been around. It felt like we didn’t miss a beat, and it’s been amazing ever since. It’s 2022, we’re engaged and I’m getting ready to marry my best friend and the most beautiful woman in the world. It’s hard to not feel like the luckiest man in the world, and I thank God everyday for having her in my life. - Ralf Charlton

June 11, 2021. It was a typical Seattle day with overcast, a light drizzle and I was getting ready to have a girls night with, my now bridesmaid, Trinity. The plan was for us to go to Cactus Restaurant in Kirkland - something very typical for us to do on an evening out. On the drive over we discussed what Ralf proposing would be like, when I thought he’d get down on one knee, the ring, basically all the works. At this point, I’m thinking Ralf is supposed to be having a brew with his now best man Ankit. Little did I know what was really in store. The parking in Kirkland wasn’t ideal. As we were pulling around near the gazebo, I saw a man walking… I said out loud, “That looks like Ralf, oh that is Ralf!” I awkwardly wave at him through the window because I suddenly forgot how to do anything else. My heart started beating fast, my mouth was dry, and I had all the butterflies. I was trying to justify all the reasons why he’d be here in Kirkland at the same exact moment as me - but I knew deep down that this could be the moment where I get to tell the man I love I want to spend the rest of my life with him. I can tell I’m a nervous wreck and all I want to do is go find him. He was sitting on a bench overlooking Lake Washington with our favorite country song “Head Over Boots” playing and a bouquet of flowers. He brings me over to the side, my sister Carina pops out of the other side (again, I’m still very much in shock and having a complete out-of-body experience), hand in hand, now reading off of a purple note card with the most beautiful speech…ending with “will you marry me?” and the most gorgeous ring I’ve ever seen! I immediately said, “Yes!” There was nothing stopping me from planting a big ‘ol kiss on his handsome face! Pictures were taken, smiles ear to ear, LOTS of tears were shed, and I’m wondering how this night could get any better?! Ralf was taking me to our favorite restaurant, Duke’s Chowder and Seafood, in Bellevue. Once we parked, we had to wait another 5 minutes for me to stop crying literal tears of joy and compose myself. As we walked in, I could hear clapping and cheering from our wonderful family and friends! Even though this is a small glimpse of our life together, it’s a day I will cherish for the rest of my life. - Joy