Our story actually began on Match.com. I received a notification that Amanda was interested in my profile and I was drawn to Amanda’s cute smile, spirituality, and her talk of cooking in her profile, so I figured I’d ask her about it. It took some time and charm to get Amanda to give me her number, but I eventually won her over and was able to set up a first date. Initially we had decided to meet for dinner and drinks on a Saturday night, but I came home from the fire academy in Tampa sick as a dog. Luckily, Amanda took pity on me and gave me a by, and the next day, Sunday September 11th 2016, we had our first date at the Cool Moose Cafe in Riverside. We immediately hit it off; Amanda wore a bright yellow sun dress with her blonde hair in curls that took my breath away. So much so, that when the date ended and I walked Amanda to her car after brunch, I leaned in and kissed her, and didn’t get slapped. The rest is history.

A.J. and I developed our relationship through conversation during the week while he was in Fire Academy. We scheduled our dates around our crazy work schedule on the weekends. He finished the academy and lived in Glen Saint Mary (basically the middle of nowhere) and we continued to make it work, spending time together despite distance and working multiple jobs. This determination to make time for each other is something we have taken very seriously and we continue to dedicate time and days that are just for us. I am so excited to be marrying this man, he is a good man who will take care of anyone in need. Including opening our home to my parents and sister and their fur babies after Hurricane Irma. Our story has moved so quickly from dating to relationship to fiancé in just over a year. I’m so grateful we met and developed this beautiful love story and can not wait to begin the rest of our story together.