Justin: Jessica and I first met each other at work on the 18th of April. We were both up for a promotion, so we were in a VISTA training group together.

When I found out about VISTA training I was told there would be two girls in the group, so I looked them up in our employee data base. When I saw that Jessica would be one of the two, I was nervous about talking to her at the training because she was gorgeous. She had beautiful eyes and an amazing smile.

When I got to the training, the leaders paired Jessica and me up for a training exercise. When we finished with the exercise early, I was excited about the opportunity to ask Jessica questions about herself. As I talked to her, I noticed that she was very confident and smart. She picked up on the VISTA stuff very quickly. Also, she was so happy and that made me happier. I looked forward to practicing with Jessica in the future because I knew I would be able to flirt with her, even though I didn't think she was interested.

Jessica: I had seen Justin around the phone center and often wished that he worked on the night shift with me so that I could get to know him. One of the first things I noticed about Justin were his wonderful eyes - they are so captivating and when he smiles, they sparkle! Actually, I developed a crush on him the first time I saw him.

On the morning of the VISTA training group, I sat in the conference room waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. I was so excited when Justin walked through the door and I hoped that I would be able to get to know him during the training. As it turned out, it was really easy to get to know Justin because part of our VISTA job was to ask questions and then bring them to a personal level that connected with a core value. The training was SO much fun! I haven't laughed that much since I was in elementary school. Throughout the training Justin was always very supportive of me, especially when I didn't think I could accomplish the job I had been given. After that first day, I was sure that I wanted to go out with him.

Justin: Several months later, on Saturday, September 8th, one of the VISTA people asked me to come into work and do an internet interview. When I got there, Jessica was already there doing an interview with a guy that was very difficult. She didn't think she was doing very well but I assured her that she was doing just fine. When she finished, I offered to take care of her time card for her. Secretly, I wanted to ask her to watch the BYU football game with me, and I was trying to muster up the courage to actually ask her. I started working on her time card but realized that I had questions so I gave her a call to find out the answers. After another call about the details of her time card, I finished up all of the work on it. However, I still hadn't asked her to the game. Finally, I just decided to text her and ask her if she's watch the game with me. She replied immediately with a question about the game so I called her and asked her in person. I was thrilled when she said yes. After the game, I wanted to find a way to spend more time with her so I asked her to get ice cream with me, and then we ended up watching a movie together at my house.

We dated for the next three months, met each other's families, and got to know each other. I was planning to propose to Jessica at Temple Square, a beautifully landscaped park surrounding an historic temple in the heart of Salt Lake City. Early in December, Jessica suggested that we go see the Christmas lights at Temple Square on December 14th. When she suggested it, I was so excited because I knew I could plan the proposal without Jessica suspecting a thing. So I got everything ready. I bought the ring and was so excited that I told everybody at work about it and about how I was going to propose.

Jessica: On December 14th we went to Temple Square together to look at the Christmas lights. It was so cold out that we looked at the lights for a little while and then went into the Visitor's Center to watch a video and warm up. After that, we walked outside and Justin suggested that we take a carriage ride. I was excited about the idea a romantic ride, but was worried when I saw a large "By Reservation Only" sign. However, Justin surprised me when he let me know that he had actually reserved a carriage for us!

Justin: At Temple Square we walked around and look at things but I made sure we were at the gate at 6pm in time for our carriage ride. As we rode in the carriage together, I was trying to think of how to propose to Jessica without making it awkward because I had noticed that she was wearing gloves. Then, during the ride, Jessica saw that her glove was on inside-out, so she took it off to fix it. When she was about to put it back on again I said, "That's okay, I'll hold it." Then I got down on one knee and told her that I loved her more than anything in the entire world and that I wanted to spend eternity with her. Finally, I asked her if she would marry me.

Jessica: The ride was so magical with the lights and the Christmas spirit. Halfway through the ride, I noticed that the glove on my left hand was inside-out, so I took it off to fix it, but before I could put it back on, Justin took it from me. He got down on one knee (Yes, in the moving carriage!) and told me that he wanted to be with me forever. Of course I said, Yes! - and gave him the biggest hug ever. All of the sudden it seemed that the cold didn't matter anymore. After a romantic dinner we stopped by both of our family's houses to tell them the exciting news.

Justin is such a wonderful man. He is so good at making me happy when I'm sad. We enjoy so many of the same things like football, movies, playing board games and card games, and eating at new places. And, even more importantly, we share very similar beliefs and work ethics. Also, we both dislike dishonesty, bad drivers, and people who don't do what they say they will. As we plan our future together I feel like I can be at peace because I know that the most amazing, supportive, understanding man in the world loves me.

When I think back to our first date I have to laugh. I remember how it seemed like forever (in reality it was 5 months) that I was hinting that I wanted to go out with Justin, but he just didn't get it. On the flip side, he thinks that he flirted with me quite obviously, but I know the truth! I'm glad he finally did get up the courage to ask me out because I thought it would never happen.

We have now been engaged for a little over three months. About a month after we got engaged, the company that we both worked for decided to close its doors and we both lost our jobs at the same time. We were in a state of shock and panic because we were trying to plan our wedding and suddenly we didn't have any income. We looked for jobs together and as we did so we came to the conclusion that we would be okay, no matter what, because we had each other. Because of Justin's work ethic and get things done attitude, he quickly found a job. However, I will never forget how those moments of insecurity and how this small trial ultimately brought us closer to each other.

We are looking forward to our rapidly approaching wedding which will take place on April 12, 2008. I'm so thrilled to spend forever with Justin, the man of my dreams.