Exactly a year ago, Corey asked me to marry  and I said YES on October 21, 2016. He proposed on a Friday evening at Lakewood Park almost exactly six months after we first met & started dating. It had been raining all day, it was windy and the waves of Lake Erie were crashing over the breakers. Corey still convinced me to take a little trip to Lakewood Park, because it is such a special place for us. Just a few blocks from my apartment, we spent many evenings watching the sunset over Lake Erie, having conversations sharing our hearts, faith, dreams and seeking God's will for our future. Lakewood Park is also the place we had our first kiss, almost the exact same spot he proposed. 

​

For the proposal, we were embracing, taking in the captivating waves and weather at the park,  sharing our hearts and next thing I knew, Corey got down on one knee. It feels like a little bit of a blur from there but Corey reminds me that it took me a few minutes to say yes because I was in shock and filled with pure JOY, covering my mouth and proclaiming “oh my goodness” over and over. I of course said YES, the second easiest decision we both have ever made (aside from saying YES and professing our love & faith in, Jesus Christ our Lord & Savior).

​

Following the proposal, Corey had made reservations for us to return to the location of our first date at the Black Pig in Ohio City. We had a lovely dinner and celebration, taking in the memories of where it all began. Next, we traveled to Strongsville for an impromptu engagement party and my parent's home. Corey's parents joined us along with my brother and some of his friends, we got to celebrate with some champagne and excitement!

​

It's hard to believe that Corey and I met only a year and a half  ago today at a friends wedding after being set up on the dance floor, and now he is my husband (after only 4 months or engagement)! We both praise God for how He so graciously crossed our paths and has moved in our hearts since. There was such a sweet peace and contentment in our hearts that Jesus desired for us to join our lives together in marriage. The ways of the Lord are so loving and faithful, we are so in awe of His loving faithfulness in our sweet love story. Corey is more than I ever could have asked for and beyond all that I have prayed for in a husband, I deeply love him and feel so honored to be his wife! 

"Your love is devoted
like a ring of solid gold
Like a vow that is tested
like a covenant of old
Your love is enduring
through the winter rain
And beyond the horizon
with mercy for today
Faithful You have been
and faithful you will be
You pledge yourself to me
and it's why I sing
Your praise will ever be on my lips,
ever be on my lips
You Father the orphan
Your kindness makes us whole
You shoulder our weakness
And Your strength becomes our own
You're making me like you
Clothing me in white
Bringing beauty from ashes
For You will have Your bride
Free of all her guilt
and rid of all her shame
And known by her true name
and it's why I sing
Your praise will ever be on my lips,
ever be on my lips
You will be praised You will be praised
With angels and saints we sing worthy are You Lord
and it's why I sing
Your praise will ever be on my lips

-lyrics from "Ever Be" by Bethel Music

Engagement Photos by Allison Roche of This Lovely Light. You can read a blog post by Allison featuring more pictures from our Engagement photo session here.

There are also more Engagement Photos featured on our wedding website found here.