This past March we celebrated eight wonderful years together, but let’s look back and see where it all began. We met at Chamberlain High School ... I know what you’re thinking but, no, we were not high school sweethearts, we were actually just friends. We lost connection after graduation and then reconnected a couple years into college, it was like no time had passed. After several long talks and text messages, we realized we were something more than just friends. So began the long journey of getting to know each other, our dreams, families, and how to love each other. We have been through it all; dates, movie nights, concerts, Lightning games, trips, moving in together, medical school, and many Disney adventures. We look forward to many more years together and what the future holds for us.
The story of our proposal actually starts a year before the big day, far away in St. Augustine. We had planned a Christmas get away to St. Augustine which also coincided with a coworker's wedding. Leading up to the trip, many friends questioned if this was when the big moment would happen. Little did they all know, it was just the beginning. While exploring the town center, Justin found the perfect ring in a little shop while Nichole was only feet away. Sneakily he bought the ring and hid it away in his bag. Sadly, the moment did not happen during that wonderful trip, but it allowed the two of us to grow our relationship even more. Over the next year, that ring was hidden away while Justin planned out the perfect proposal. Disney became a huge part of our lives, with us taking regular day and weekend trips. We thought there was no better way to spend our Christmas than at Disney, so we planned a little weekend trip. Our first day, which was at Magic Kingdom, was a very wet one. That day started with a small drizzle but the rain got heavier as the day went on, literally raining out any chance of popping the question. The second day we went to Epcot and first up was the new Moana attraction. Moana was easily one of Nichole’s favorite movies and getting to see it brought to life was amazing, and Justin knew there wouldn’t be a better, more wonderful moment. After a quick walkthrough and almost no one else around, we went back to the start to take a picture in front of the attraction. Unbeknownst to Nichole, the cast member who was holding Justin’s phone, was actually taking a video. While waiting for the photo to be taken, Justin got down and asked the most nerve-racking question. After saying yes, the two of us had a wonderful and less wet day as we celebrated our relationship together and started planning on how to tell all of our loved ones.