Adam and I met in high school and had our first date our sophomore year. We went to the movies and saw "Valentine's Day." I know, if you know me, you would think "A chick flick? With Taylor Swift in it? Really?" Yes. Really. I'm not sure what I was thinking, other than the fact that I was going on a date with this cute guy. Anyway... nothing came of this date, but we remained friends. Fast forward to the summer before senior year, and we began talking more and more. We had a few dates - which did NOT include chick flicks - and then on September 1st in 2011, Adam asked me to be his girlfriend. I said no. But was quick to follow up with "Just kidding!" Adam still jokes that it's good for me that I said yes because I would be finding my own way home from Grand Haven. I am so glad that I said that - first - yes over 8 years ago!

On our last night on vacation in the Dominican Republic, we decided to get a couple's massage at the resort. Prior to the massage, we were relaxing alone in the private hot tub and had a very typical - and probably very obnoxious - "conversation". I told Adam I loved him and he said, "You promise?" I said yes. Adam replied with, "Forever?" Again, I said yes. Then... Adam got down on one knee (yes, in the hot tub) and pulled out the ring and asked.. "Well, what are you doing the rest of your life?" Where I should have immediately said my third "yes" of the conversation, I asked Adam probably 5 times if he was serious. He was probably thinking, "Um... you have a ring on your finger! Do you think I'm kidding?" But, I mean, come on! A proposal after 7 1/2 years... in a different country... in a hot tub?! This could NOT be real, right? After I realized this WAS real and Adam said, "So... is that a yes?" I finally said "Yes! Of course I will marry you!"