To have and to hold

Josh comments on Shelby’s profile picture on Hinge... Shelby accepts the message and says absolutely nothing back. (The stars were trying to align. Shelby was just... busy.)

Josh slides back into her DMs on Valentine’s Day—bold move. Shelby is intrigued by his attention to detail (and tenacity), and finally decides to respond. A few witty exchanges later, Josh asks her on a date—a full week in advance—because he’s a planner. Shelby is immediately impressed.

One date turns into several: Drinks... then dinner... then full Saturdays together. Eventually, Shelby cuts to the chase: “So… are you gonna ask me to be your girlfriend?” Josh does. Then came the big-picture talks: the future, timelines, dreams, logistics. Shelby, ever the planner (and aware that time waits for no woman), made it clear—if we know it’s right, let’s not waste time. Josh? Agreed.

It didn’t just feel like dating—it felt like our lives fit together effortlessly. Weekend getaways, dinner reservations, international adventures, slow mornings, chaotic weekly schedules, family introductions, friend approvals, learning each other’s quirks, and finding joy in all the spaces in between. Everything fit. Literally everything—we even have the same BIRTHDAY!!

Josh kept his promise. There was no dramatic countdown or promised date—we just knew it was coming. On a shared birthday trip to Oregon, we headed for a walk on the beach before dinner. Shelby, unknowingly dressed in white, was blissfully unaware. Then—on the sand, just the two of us and the surprise photographer—Josh got down on one knee. It was private, heartfelt, and completely perfect.

We can’t wait to share this very special day with all of you—our family, friends, and everyone who’s been part of our journey. Our love story just keeps getting WILDER, and having you there to celebrate will make it all the more unforgettable.