Tinder (Ahh – maybe we should make something up!) Our first date was brunch at Citrus in Virginia Beach on Memorial Day weekend 2014. Both of us had just recently moved there for work and I didn’t really know anyone yet. After a super long brunch, we went and spent the rest of the day at the beach hanging out. It was a totally different and fun first date – we were inseparable from that moment on.

Josh deployed 6 months after I moved to San Diego and was supposed to be home in May. A few weeks before he was scheduled to come home, he was told that he would be staying for the remainder of the deployment and wouldn’t be home until August. Obviously, I was kind of bummed about it! When we found out he’d be in Hawaii for the majority of the summer, we booked a flight for me to come out over 4th of July weekend. Little did I know, Josh had purchased the ring several months earlier in San Diego and was just waiting to come home to pick it up! My friend, Tyler, was going to Hawaii at the same time to visit her husband so she went and picked up the ring and brought it out to him. I had no idea she had it in her purse during the entire flight! I was hoping it would happen but really wasn’t sure and once it had been a few days, I assumed that it wouldn’t be happening. He ended up proposing at the top of the mountain when we were on a beautiful hike on July 3rd. The views were incredible!

Seeing Josh for the first time! I can’t wait to have a moment together before the ceremony and reception where it is just the two of us. I just can’t wait to marry him!

Number your RSVP cards! And always remember it’s just one big party, no need to get too stressed over the little things. I think, overall, I’ve been a pretty low stress bride and part of that is because I refused to let it take over every waking day. Just as I keep my work life separate from my home life, I designated certain times that would be spent on wedding planning. I have to admit though, Etsy has sucked me in a few too many times…

Getting to create a beautiful life with my favorite person in the world. Josh just keeps me laughing all day long