Steven and I met on a dating site—cliché, I know. From our first message, I knew he was my person. As we chatted, it was clear we shared common interests. After a few days of small talk, Steven asked if I wanted to meet up for a drink or dinner "to see if there is a connection"; worst case, we'd just share a drink. If you know nothing about online dating, let me just say most aren't looking for a long-term relationship. We agreed on a date (10 February 2022) and place (Anthonys at Cap Sante Marina). He was already waiting for me and we laughed, had a bite, and enjoyed the evening. We continued talking daily. Steven requested another date (14 February 2022) in a new setting, and I agreed. This was sort of a double date where I met Nathan and Jenn. I was nervous to meet his friends, but it went well. As we spent more time together, by our fourth date over a month, it was clear that we enjoyed each other's company; our core values aligned and what we'd been seeking was in front of us.

In about three years of traveling—family road trips, tulips in summer, ski dates and bungee jumping in winter, and holiday gatherings—we grew closer and nearly inseparable. I don't know if marriage was on either of our minds then. Steven was divorced, and I'd never been married and had nearly given up on it. But life reminds you to keep living, and love finds you.

A little over two and a half years into our relationship Steven decided to start keeping secrets from me, but for good reason. He teamed up with my Bestie and started planning what would prove to be one of the most memorable trips I’ve been on to date. He “proposed“ we go on a cruise where one of my favorite artist was hosting a concert. I was excited and couldn’t wait to tell my bestie so she could join, but she had prior engagements (or so I was persuaded to believe). Nonetheless, in December, Steven planned the trip. On the 9th of February 2025 we traveled to Miami, where the next day, while boarding, I heard a familiar voice; it was my Bestie. I was so excited and overwhelmed that they had secretly planned she meet us for the trip! We had the best time listening to music and enjoying the ports. One port was Jamaica, and Steven decided to schedule an excursion, Dunn Falls. I absolutely love waterfalls, so I was beyond ecstatic and couldn’t wait to see the falls and hear the water; it is music to my soul! By now, I’m sure you know where this is going, he proposed to me on the waterfall. It was beautiful, and I had absolutely no idea; everyone was literally involved, even our guides. Long story short, here we are waiting to add another waterfall to our love story, the waterfall that will seal our love and start our life journey!