One morning, during my freshman year of high school, while on my way into school this new kid came onto the bus and sat next to me. I was listening to my super cool cd player. The kid asked what I was listening to and I said, "Blink-182" and offered an ear bud. He then told me his name is Andrew. Before long he stopped being the new kid and became a friend. After graduating high school in 2009, Andrew decided to join the Air Force and after my graduation in 2010 I decided to go off to college in Michigan. I didn't see or hear much from Andrew after high school, talking to him a few times while he was deployed, until I posted that I was accepted into Full Sail University's Music Business program. Just a few hours after posting I got a message from Andrew saying he currently goes to Full Sail for music business and that Ill already have a friend once I get there. I will always remember my first night in Orlando. I was in my new apartment (my first all by myself) hanging out with my kitty, Riot. I remember I was excited and nervous being in a new place, all by myself. Then felt bored and not sure how to entertain myself, which quickly turned to feeling lonely. Then Andrew texted me and asked if I would like some company...and the rest is history!

I was in my Sophomore year of high school and new to Germany. I was shy and hadn't made a lot of friends by the time school started. The only people I really knew were Zach (best friend/ groomsman) and Craig (Sam's older brother/ my first friend in Germany). The bus I had to take into school was mostly full by the time it came to my stop. One day on the bus I decided to sit next to Craig's little sister who was quiet, shy, kinda punk, and a very pretty brunette. She was listening to Blink- 182 and offered me a chance to listen. The song she was listening too was " Feeling This" (oh the subtle irony). She introduced herself as Samantha or Sam for short. I knew there that this girl was cool and I was determined to make sure we became friends. Throughout our years at Patch High School, from sharing classes to music, you could see a blossoming romance between two people. Although, she was the little sister of one of my close friends, I always had a small crush. She did too... Fast forward a few years, I had left the military and was attending college at Full Sail University. I was about a year and a half into my school when I got a unsuspecting message from an old friend and crush. Sam notified me that she was planning to attend school at Full Sail as well and wanted to know my opinion of the school She told me she was going to be starting in September and was I excited. I told my roommate Justin at the time all about her. Not only was I excited to have another friend from Germany living in Orlando but mainly because it was someone whom I still had a crush on. When she moved to Orlando we hangout a few times which quickly turned into everyday. By December we were officially dating and everything after that was history. It was a long time coming for both of us and now we know why. Sometimes the best things in life take time to build. She is the punk rocker brunette I had always dreamed of having in my life...who knew I was going to meet my wife at 15 years old.

Andrew's parents moved back to Germany so naturally Andrew suggested Christmas in Germany. I was a little wary just because of work and funds but Andrew was adamant that we spend Christmas and New Years in Germany. Little did I know he had a whole plan... Its New Years Eve Day, my favorite holiday! We decided to get a fancy hotel downtown Stuttgart so that we could watch the fireworks from a safe distance (only people who've survived New Years downtown Stuttgart will understand!). Its 11pm, we got dressed up all fancy, got fancy drinks from the fancy bar in our fancy hotel, then headed up to our room which was already set up by the hotel staff with a blanket and pillows on the windowsill. I decided to set up my camera to film the fireworks and Andrew did the same with his phone. He was quiet (which is very unusual) and seemed a bit anxious, but I didn't think much of it. With just a few minutes until midnight Andrew told me to go ahead and get comfy on the windowsill and he'd grab our drinks. At 11:55pm, Andrew stood behind me and asked if I wanted to start 2020 off right, as I turned around he kneeled down on one knee and asked me the best 4 words ever..."Will you marry me?" So I broke down crying and through the happiest tears said "Yes!"