Our Story
What began as a high school crush flourished into a long-term relationship. Our story dates back to July 24, 1999. On that day, we first hung out after chatting over the internet through ICQ months prior. The day was spent at my parent's house after Justin and his friend Turner skateboarded over to hang out with me and my friend Amanda. That evening, Kelly had to babysit for a family friend. Knowing that I would like to hang out with the guys some more, I invited them to stop over. That night, Justin along with his friend Turner and Joel came to visit Amanda and I while we were babysitting. With the help of Turner ensuring one person was watching each in child on each of floor of their house and to give each give a chance to be alone with each girl to ask them out, Justin asked me out in the basement of the house. From that date on, we dated. Little did we know that on that night we had found the person we were to spend the rest of their lives with.
The Proposal
After dating for close to nine years, Justin knew he soon wanted to propose. During that year, Justin saved money from his part-time delivery job and from donating plasma to purchase my engagement ring in April of 2008. That summer, Justin traveled to Guatemala for school over the month of June. While in Guatemala, Justin decided he wanted to propose when he came home. Thus, Justin emailed my parent's from Guatemala to ask for their approval. Surprisingly, my parents kept the secret from me. On July 4, 2008, Justin's parents came to my parent's house for their annual fry out. From there, I left with Justin's parents to pick up Justin at the Green Bay airport. On the ride home, Justin asked me if I would like to go to watch the fireworks at Neshota Beach. Since Justin was up to it, I agreed. Once we arrived at Justin's parent's house, Justin packed a bag and biked down to a quiet spot on the beach. With the fireworks underway, Justin and I enjoyed the moment like they always do. Then, midway between the show, Justin pulled out a box from his backpack, said some wonderful things which because I was flustered, I don't quite remember, and then asked me to marry him.
The photo shown is my dad capturing a candid shot after we told my parents the news. They knew it all along and I was the only one that had no clue!
