You’re probably wondering how we got here.
We can’t wait to tell you.
A connection
“Do I know you from somewhere?”
Andrea’s opening line
Love at first sight
First date at Joe Muer
in Detroit, MI
I hope this date is worth it considering this traffic. If not, at least dinner will be good!
Andrea before the first date
I hope she is as amazing as my impression of her from talking on the phone. I can’t WAIT to meet her.
Dennis before the first date
How cute was he!?
He was so nervous and it was adorable. That was the best first date I’ve ever been on!
Andrea leaving the
first date
I’m a ball of nerves! He’s joining us in the go-live AirBnb and this is either going to go amazing or go really bad – there is never an in between with me!
Andrea going into Charleston visit
I am so excited to see her. I can’t believe she invited me to meet her in Charleston. I feel like it’s going to be a romantic weekend.
Dennis going into Charleston visit
Two hopeful romantics walk into an oyster bar
Rappahannock Oyster Bar in Charleston, that is.
Dennis visited Andrea while she was there for work.
I never want him to leave!
I had such a great time.
We are perfect for each other.
“We sat side by side in the booth. She had never eaten oysters before and I showed her how. She LOVED them. We TRULY enjoyed each other’s company.
It felt like time was non-existent
and that we were the only people there. We both walked out smitten with each other.”
Dennis leaving Charleston
“I had the MOST perfect weekend with him.
It feels like we have always known each other.
I wonder if this is just a one time thing or if it is actually possible to string together a lifetime of weekends like this.”
Andrea leaving Charleston
The true test
Dennis meets Amelia, Joey, and Izabela
We carved pumpkins together. It was a LOT of fun and the first time Dennis had carved a pumpkin.
“I am SO nervous! So far, everything has been storybook perfect in our courtship – the kids are make or break. I am scared he will realize just how much work 3 kids are and run for the hills
(I would!). Will he have a paternal instinct with them? Will our parenting styles be different? At the end, I prayed that
if this was God, then it would work out exactly the way it should
(spoiler alert: it has.)”
Andrea before Dennis met the kids
Dennis describes each kid as:
Click on each box to reveal the answer!
Empathetic
Amelia
Sweet
Joey
Determined
Izabela
The kids describe Dennis as:
Click on each box to reveal the answer!
Loving
Joey
"Denny"
Izabela
Silly
Amelia
Lots and lots of dates (and some traveling, too!)
Charleston, New York, Boston, Florida
Click on each box to reveal the answer!
What does Andrea do that makes you laugh?
-Dennis
What is Dennis’ best quality?
-Andrea
What’s Andrea’s best quality?
-Dennis
Who said “I love you” first?
Do you believe in soulmates?
“I always believed that soul mates weren't required for happiness. A soul mate, that love and level of happiness isn't describable and you don't know you have it until you realize what it is not. That is what I have with Dennis. He is my soulmate, my other half, I am the woman from his rib. The level of love and happiness I experience with Dennis is life altering - it isn't something I can experience with anyone else. It's a once in a lifetime sort of thing and I will cherish it every day for the rest of my life.”
-Andrea
Building a life
“I dream of us up north in our retirement home. I daydream about him pinching my butt when I am canning food. I dream about laying in bed and listening to him read to me. I dream about playing cards at our table while the fire is on. I dream about him walking out to the chicken coop with me, teasing me about my pink clogs and Chanel earrings. My future can be anything as long as I am spending it with Dennis.”
-Andrea
Picturing the future
-Dennis
Sealing the deal
The proposal was:
intimate, private, at home, perfect
The pastor is headed over so it’s about time we make this official. I hope this is a moment that she will remember fondly forever.
Dennis going into
the proposal
My ring is stunning! I can’t wait to be his wife – there is literally no one else I could imagine spending my life with.
Andrea after
the proposal
I never knew I could be this in love with someone.
Andrea planning
the wedding
I can’t wait to recite my vows to her. How am I going to hold it together?
Dennis planning
the wedding