We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

We were introduced by our mutual friend Chad in Florida. Chad was building up his photography portfolio and he and I (Abby) were doing a fun photo shoot on Palm Beach. Chad decided to bring along his "apprentice" Steve to "assist on the shoot". I was shy and awkward at first - not happy that Chad brought him. Steven wasn’t really interested in me either (I didn't like football or dogs, and I didn’t eat meat, or listen to classic rock). However, SOMEHOW we grew on each other and ended up having an amazing summer together running around like a couple of crazy kids in love. When the time came for Steven to return to his work in Afghanistan we decided to keep in touch by email and see where things might go...

Before moving from Florida to D.C we brought our moms down to Florida for one last visit. We went to the same spot on Palm Beach Island where we met about 6 years earlier. Steven pulled me aside for a walk and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I responded "Are you serious?! Are you kidding?! Is this a joke?!" Then, once I was convinced that it was for real, I said "Yes!" to my forever and always summer-love.