Once upon a time, a U.S. Air Force veteran from upstate New York and a girl from south Florida who proudly supports the U.S. Constitution both swiped right. He was a staff accountant who knew his way around a kitchen. She was a first grade teacher who loved a good story with a happy ending. We quickly found out that neither one of us had ever been to Oovoo Javer (if you know you know). We connected over a willingness to share fries and enjoy the beauty of a sunset. We pursued each other in faith that we might one day raise a family that loves Jesus. We began writing our love story, prayerfully hoping that we would be better together than we ever were apart.

Four days after we matched on Hinge, Kyle and I met for the first time at Yard House. He recited the preamble to the U.S. Constitution and I was smitten. Little did we know, that would be the last first date either of us would ever have. From then on, Kyle picked me up for the best dates, called me on his drives home from work, and was intentional about a future with me. A month after our first date, in true millennial fashion, Kyle "officially" asked me to be his girlfriend. On February 10th, we celebrated my 30th birthday and he told me he loved me. By that time, I knew he was the one I was going to love forever!

On November 17th, we celebrated Kyle's 28th birthday. Unbeknown to me, he was also planning on proposing that same weekend. However, due to a slight hiccup, postponed his proposal to the very next Friday. Kyle had a date night planned: sunset on the beach and then off to dinner! Although my nails had been recently done, and my hair freshly washed, I was under NO impression that this man of my dreams would be popping the question TONIGHT. This particular weekend, southwest Florida was experiencing a cold front. Therefore since we were only watching the sunset, I chose to wear my Christmas Hallmark movie socks on the beach so as to not let my feet get cold. In hindsight, Kyle REALLY tried to discourage me from wearing them. Whoops! We walked along the beach toward Gumbo Limbo for a drink while the sun sank down over the water. As we admired the most perfect sunset, Kyle asked if I would like to have sunset dates together for the rest of our lives, and then immediately dropped to one knee! Clearly not dressed or expecting an ENGAGEMENT at that exact moment, I was speechless and may have left him on that knee longer than I realized. However, it was the easiest YES I have ever given to anyone. We were met on the boardwalk with champagne and the chance to ring the closing sunset bell! And of course, we had to have dinner at the place where it all began, this time with our parents! Brick by brick, we not only get to prepare for a wedding with all of our closest friends and families, but more importantly we get to prepare ourselves for a marriage. And truly, I have found the one whom my soul loves.

Kyle and I will continue to make southwest Florida our home. He will continue to cook the most delicious meals, and I will continue to expand my coffee mug collection. We will serve the Lord, root for the Buffalo Bills, and build a beautiful life together. We are so overwhelmed and grateful for those who have loved us both individually and as a couple in every season of our lives. We cannot wait to celebrate with you all on our BEST day ever!