How we met
Our story began in June 2014 on Match.com. We were both at a point in our lives where we wanted to meet someone, but working full time and having only a small circle of friends made it difficult (not to mention we were both over the bar scene). It was because of friends that we both took the leap of faith into the online dating world.After vigilantly searching all the online profiles and many failed attempts at meeting the right people, we both realized that there was something very important missing in our profiles. Our strong conviction in faith was not conveyed for anyone to see! After some quick profile updates on both ends, the magic started to happen. Late in the evening on June 29, Justin sent Melissa a message that expressed his hopes in finding a meaningful, long-lasting relationship with a foundation of shared faith.
After several days of non-stop instant messaging and getting to know more about each other, we decided it was time to meet! We met at Melissa's favorite Italian restaurant in Petaluma. Justin got there fifteen minutes early to get a table, ordered a beer and began nervously going over questions he come up with to help keep the conversation going. Soon after sitting down, Melissa came through the doors and the hostess directed her towards the table. The smile on her face as she walked towards the table immediately calmed all of Justin's nerves. I guess you could say the rest is history, because everything from that point just got better and better!
Each day we continue to develop an incredible relationship full of love, support, openness and genuine dedication to one another. We are happy beyond words and can't believe that "silly" internet dating thing actually worked! We are so excited to get married, start a family and fulfill God's plans for our lives both as individuals and as a couple.
The Proposal
What I thought was just another one of our wine tasting adventures turned out to be the best day of my life! I was told that Justin's parents were planning a wine tasting tour with their friends at a winery we love called Kunde, and invited us and my parents to go. As May 16 came closer, many of his parents' friends were 'suddenly' unable to go, and that meant we had room to invite several of our closest friends on the trip. Little did I know, Justin had my friends in on the plan the entire time.We all enjoyed a great lunch at a winery down the street and then headed to Kunde for our tour. We got to enjoy several scenic tastings along the way and the views at the top were breathtaking! After taking several group photos to capture the memories, Justin and I finished the tour with our typical 'couples' shots. When we finished I started to walk over to the chair and grab my things...and here is where it got exciting! Justin grabbed my hand, pulled me back over to him and told me that the "real reason" we were all there was because he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me! He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was freaking out so much that I didn't let him stay down there long..and couldn't get my "YES!" out quickly enough. The moment was surreal and I am so excited so many close friends and family were there to share and witness it. It was the biggest surprise anyone has ever planned for me! I give major props to Justin and all the people who knew the plan because it was quite an elaborate story to keep straight for all that time. Well done, all!