It was 2016, in a bar at EIU called Marty’s. A place that I have frequented often, but was Shannon’s first night visiting. It was graduation weekend for my brother and Shannon just happened to be there celebrating her cousins graduation. Luckily enough we all ended up at the same bar. Shannon approached me that night and started a spark that I still feel to this day. Her beauty, calmness, and charm was something that captivated me. She has always been my calmness through our adventurous life. I feel so lucky that chance encounter has led us to where we are. Three states, two countries and one beautiful son later, I can’t wait to finally call her My Wife.

Ben planned the proposal at a restaurant we had our very first date at, Coopers Hawk. I walked into a room filled with our closest friends and family and was truly so surprised. I saw big white letters that spelled YES, and immediately started crying. Tears of joy of course!! The easiest yes of my life. We drank, ate and celebrated with so much love! Ben planned such a thoughtful and special night, it was just perfect. Our last five years together have been nothing short of an adventure and I can’t wait for all our new adventures together as husband and wife.