This is a photo-montage I made which includes pictures from our childhood, dating and some from even just weeks before our wedding. It was played at our wedding reception prior to our big entrance. :)
How We Met:
Justin and I will each tell you a slightly different story as to how we met one another....Justin will explain that he 'knew of' me for several years before having the opportunity to meet me. He says he had hoped to meet me many times, but the situation never presented itself. Meanwhile, I knew nothing of Justin until the summer of 2009. I first heard his name from my parents who had become good friends with Justin's parents through their small group at church. In July our parent's small group held a picnic and invited their families to attend. Justin later explained to me that he intentionally attended the picnic that day knowing that I would most likely be there and that he would finally have his opportunity to meet me. I, on the other hand, did not want to attend the picnic due to a nagging feeling that my parents were pushing for me to meet their friend's son, Justin. (and they were!)
I had a feeling prior to the picnic that there was a matchmaking attempt in the works.... I had even given a little speech prior to leaving for the picnic, explaining to everyone that I did not need or want any matchmaking to go on. I remember when he arrived at the picnic... there was tension in the air! My sisters were both aware of it as well and we all exchanged a little look as if to say 'here we go..." And of course it didn't take too long until we found ourselves seated at the same table being introduced (by my DAD!) Well, I had convinced myself before ever meeting him that there was no way I would like him. However.... I found him very personable and so easy to talk to. Conversation came easily for us. He ended up getting called away with some of the other guys to go shoot guns... of course. I never saw him again that day and as no numbers were exchanged, I didn't necessarily think I'd see him again.
He will be able to tell you the exact amount of time he waited, but a couple weeks later he sent me a 'friend request' on facebook. I responded to the friend request and said it had been nice meeting him, etc. He replied and our messages back and forth continued for another week or so before he FINALLY asked me to go on a date. (He will explain that this was all part of his strategic plan...)
Our first date was August 8, 2009 at Coyote Crossing in West Chester. We only sat at our roof top table for a few minutes before the rain started and we headed indoors. The conversation was once again very easy. We shared very openly about our work, our families, and our pasts. When he took me home I called my sister, Aimee, right away and told her all about it... surprised that this guy my parents wanted me to meet, might just be a keeper. :)
We continued to go on dates and shared more and more about ourselves. Our conversations were always so enjoyable. One night when he brought me home, we sat in the car and talked for 3 hours before he left!
Justin was easily convinced that I was 'the one' for him... and wasn't afraid to tell me so.... after our second date!!!! This obviously scared me off somewhat, and I became much more cautious with him. It took some time and persistence on his part, but I finally came to my senses. :)
Our Engagement:
Justin had told me about hiking to The Pinnacle and how amazing the view was from the top. We agreed that we would do the hike together and just needed to wait for good weather. On April 10, 2010 we finally did the hike... and it was well worth the wait. <3
Justin and I arrived in Hamburg a little after 9am excited to do our first hike as a couple. Those that know Justin know that he is quite the outdoorsman and has done many hikes/mountain climbs in the past. This was my first time doing a "real" hike. The hike itself is 4 miles up and 4 miles down.
Justin was quite the navigator on our little hike, proud to share his knowledge regarding topographic maps (?) and how to read the trail maps, etc. Truthfully if Justin had not been leading the way I would never have thought that the giant piles of rocks in front of us WERE the TRAIL.
Hiking up through the rocks almost always rewarded us with an impressive view.
We finally reached the Pinnacle sometime around noon. The views were breathtaking!
Justin and I had packed a lunch, and ate it while sitting on top of these huge rocks at the Pinnacle... convinced we had the best seats there!
At one point, Justin said he was going to go look for a place to go to the bathroom. (he was really looking for a more private place to propose as the area was fairly crowded). He came back and told me he had found an area on the other side of the Pinnacle that was quieter with fewer people, so we wandered over there. :)Around 1:30pm, while we sat on the rocks, Justin said he would take my picture and after handing my camera to him he repositioned himself on one knee to take it... he told me I needed to walk a little closer to him... he set down the camera, pulled out the ring and said, "First I need to ask you a question..." ♥
I'm a crier. So yes, tears were shed... We truly feel so blessed that God has allowed us to meet one another and fall in love as quickly as we did. While we sat in awe of that blessing, Justin pulled out his Bible and read I Corinthians 13: 4-8, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." After he read those verses, I prayed for us and again just thanked God for all that He had allowed to transpire that had brought us to this point... as well as praying for our future together that it would bring glory and honor to Him.
The Bling :)
We called our families and many of our friends while still at the Pinnacle and shared our exciting news!As we made our way back toward the trail down, we came across the mailbox with the Trail Log. Apparently many hikers write a lil blurb about their time hiking up to the Pinnacle in this little trail log and place it back in the mail box. It's kind of neat to read about everyones experiences there... so we shared ours :)
The hike back down wasn't nearly as difficult as it was going up, and of course we had much more exciting things to discuss!
On the ride home, Justin felt he deserved to stop and get himself a little celebratory treat... and of course I agreed! :)
That evening we got together with both our families and shared our days experience and the excitement we share for our future together. :)
Wedding Video Recap: