It was the summer of 2002 in Texas. I was 17 years old heading to the same camp I’d spent my summers at every year since I was eight, and this time, things would be different–I would be a “counselor in training,” as they say. In other words, a couple of months filled with lots of fun memories and very little work or responsibilities. I already knew it was destined to be a great summer.
You see, that summer was also when I met a guy who I’d never seen in the previous nine summers. I was sitting on the floor across the room when a tall, strong boy walked in with his scruffy goatee and baseball cap. I didn’t know his name or where he was from but I immediately thought to myself, “Boy is this guy cute.”
Little did I know at the time, I had just laid eyes on my future husband.
What began as a young crush transformed into a great friendship and occasional summer romance over the years.
And on March 13, 2011–nearly nine years later–he brought me to the park, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. He was charming and full of smiles. The sun was shining. It was more than I could’ve ever imagined and the most perfect moment any girl could ask for.
I’m overcome with more joy, happiness and excitement than I’ve ever felt in my life. He is smart, witty, generous, loyal, honest, driven, genuine, handsome and nothing short of incredible. And he chose me.
I am now engaged to marry my best friend. And in the summer of 2012–10 years after we first met–I will wear a white dress, walk down the aisle and wed the man of my dreams.
