Thanks to the recommendation from some friends, Josh joined my gym in August of 2024. After meeting in a Thursday class that I was coaching, we quickly became interested in each other. Our friends at the gym did their best to put us right next to each other whenever possible, and that really set us up to connect. Direct messages between us started to flow on Instagram (I'll admit, I messaged first) and before we knew it, Josh asked me on a date. To my surprise, I had no idea the date was actually a date. We both showed up coming straight from the gym, sweaty and pretty gross. But nonetheless, we spent all night laughing and getting to know one another for four hours, only for Josh to be turned down on a second date... I know. I am still mad at myself, too. The date was so good, that I was terrified of the seriousness of it all. Even then, I knew I was going to marry Josh. But after three days and some kind nudges from my sister-in-law, I gave Josh another shot. We quickly picked back up where we left off and haven't skipped a beat since. Falling in love was easy. Between our nights cooking in Josh's kitchen, riding the yacht (iykyk), double dates with friends, connecting at the gym, bowling, long walks in random fields, and raising two dogs together, life together came naturally. We knew pretty early on that this was it for us. A lifetime is waiting and we are so excited for the future! -Shelby