While preparing to move out of the country, I was on a mission to spend time with family and friends last summer. I was on a "Girls Night out" at Toby Keith's I love this bar when a "cowboy" was pushed out in front of me to say hi. Turns out there were 3 other cowboys who had put him up to this and the ring leader was Justin. I was with Laura, who is a bombshell blonde, so I figured they were all wanting to talk to her. Made me laugh since she has an amazing boyfriend. We all stood and talked, danced, and listened to Aaron Watson as the night went on. Justin danced with Brandy and Laura but hadn't asked me! At last he did! Letting him twirl me around the floor just felt right and the night ended with a sweet kiss. After spending 10 hours in 3 days on the phone with him, not to mention constant texting, I knew I wanted to be with him forever! On day 2 when I told him of my plan to move to China, his response was "If it is meant to be, we will make it work". Talk about melting your heart! I was only in Colorado 21 days before I moved to China but the distance hasn't slowed us down one bit! We know this is just the beginning of our story and we are excited to write the rest!

For years now i have had a group of really close buddies that i have been going out with almost every weekend! We generally haunt a bar in downtown Colorado Springs where i used to work called Cowboys. However, one night we got a wild hair to try something different so we went the big city of Denver to see a concert. I had no clue what was waiting for me that night but i can honestly say that I fell in love with Amanda from the moment that i saw her!! We spent only a short time together before her job took her half way around the world, but there wasn't a doubt in my mind that there was nothing that could keep us apart! Having a long distance relationship has been a big test for both of us! It has not only tested our love for one another, but our patience, trust, communication, and will. I wouldn't trade a second of it for the world though!! By late 2012 i realized that the only thing i wanted more than being on the same continent together was to be able to let Amanda know just how much i loved her and how much i wanted to spend the rest of my life with her!! Before we traveled to Ireland i talked to her parents and they gladly gave me permission to ask for Amanda's hand! I couldnt have picked a more perfect place or moment in time to get down upon one knee!! The best part is she said YES!!!!! We look forward to opening a new chapter of our life with those we love and hold close to our hearts!!