During Josh's first year at college he met Serena, interacting with her through mutual friends, as well as helping her serve international students. Serena mentored Josh's sister, Sarah, and developed a deep friendship with her, which gave both of them some more insight into each other's lives. However, at this point their two differing personalities often conflicted, causing some annoyance between them. This led Josh's twin brother Jonathan to comment once: "Josh, she drives you so crazy I bet you're going to end up marrying her!" Little did he know.

Later, Josh and Serena had the opportunity to lead a cultural exchange group together, where they discovered each other's strengths and had the opportunity to see how well they worked together. By the time August rolled around, Serena's respect for Josh had grown and his admiration for her grew deeper. He didn't realize how deep it was until Sarah, his sister, commented to him that a relationship between him and Serena "would never work," immediately causing him to think "Why not?!" At this point, Josh knew he was in trouble. However, Josh decided to take time to pray about pursuing a relationship with Serena. The next summer found Serena overseas again, and Josh riding in a car with his father, Scott. As is tradition amongst men in the Storm family, Scott harassed Josh about relationships, asking him directly if he was interested in Serena. As it turns out, the summer before he had told Josh's mother Jenny, "I bet the two of them end up dating when they get back from their trip." After Serena's return to Norman, Josh felt even more confident he wanted to pursue her. After more weeks of prayer, he finally divulged his feelings to her. However, communication is not his strong suit, and he did not actually ask her on a date. As Serena later put it, "He tried to ask me on a date, but didn't actually get around to that part." Thankfully, God is good, and eventually the two had another conversation and Josh was able to ask Serena out properly! Dating gave them clearer understanding of the passions and mindsets they shared, while realizing their differences were strengthened by each other.

Surprising Serena is no easy task! Much planning and some deception was necessary. Thankfully, a set of sizing rings did the trick. Just days before proposing, Josh had Serena try them on "to get the right ring size.” She was disappointed - she thought their Sunday date would have been a perfect time to get engaged. Josh was ecstatic - he already had the proposal ring and had done the impossible: fooled the cunning Serena! Surprised at the thoughtfulness of her boyfriend’s date plans, Serena bought the “this is for our 6 month anniversary” reason, knowing Josh wouldn’t have asked the jewelers to send sizing rings just to trick her. The couple ate authentic Asian food for lunch (commemorating their time overseas), played board games at a park, shared an early Thai dinner, ending with a walk on the University of Oklahoma's campus. At each location, Josh presented Serena a new letter describing what he admired about her. Throughout the day Serena thought to herself, “Wow, he’s doing such a wonderful job, I don’t know how he is going to top this when he does propose!” Little did she know what lay ahead.

To alert the hidden photographer and Serena's closest friends of their approach Josh took photos with his soon-to-be-fiancée at several romantic locations on campus, sending them to his “family,” including his brother and sister who were among those hiding. As the couple approached the place Josh was aiming for, Serena noticed Josh became less talkative than he had been throughout the day. Attributing that to his probably not having many classes in the buildings they were passing, she talked about locations of classes she had taken. In reality, his legs were getting a little shaky. While Josh sought for a way to get Serena in the correct position, she unknowingly moved them to take a photo from the exact location Josh desired. Sending a final photo to his sister, Josh alerted the concealed party that they were in position. He handed Serena his final letter -inside was written "This is a distraction!" Josh managed to fumble the ring out of his pocket and fall to his knee. Partly because that is what one does, and partly because his legs gave out. Leaning against Serena to steady himself, he proclaimed his undying affection. Earlier from her perspective, Serena did not understand Josh wanting them to stand in the hot sun. While opening the letter, she noticed Josh desperately struggling with his pocket. But as she was reading, she heard a camera shutter to her right and looked down to see JOSH WAS PROPOSING! Tears of joy were shed and needless to say, she said “YES!” Though Josh forgot to actually ask her to marry him till after he had picked her up to spin her around, the yes was given again and they have been celebrating with loved ones ever since!