our love story.

hey everyone! i'm linking up with hundreds of other love birds to share our story.
be warned. * i am a sap * 

How long have you and your significant other been together?

We have known each other and been friends since 2006. We started dating in 2007.

How did you meet? 

We initially met at Hope College. I had to audition for him to be a part of a special ensemble for the gospel choir. I thought he was 35 and called him 'Mr. Simpson.' :) 

If married, how long have you been married? 

We have been married since August 2, 2008.

If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? 

We got married in Holland, Michigan at Christ Memorial Church. We had close to 700 people at our wedding (and about 400 at the reception!) Pretty darn big wedding! 

Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? 

Both of us call each other BABE. Used to call him Jer Bear when we were dating...

Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

I love how he is sweet/sensitive AND resilient, strong. 

I love the way he deeply and radically cares for other people.

I love his musical gifts (his voice is smooth like butter...haha and he can play the HECK out of the keys). 

Just 3 things??? I have so many more!!

Tell us how he proposed? 

He told me we had rehearsal (which we did a lot with all the singing we did together). So he picked me up and we pulled up to the church where we were 'rehearsing.'  There were hardly any cars in the parking lot, but I am pretty oblivious most of the time, so I didn't really notice. We walk in and he opens the doors to the sanctuary and there are candles everywhere and rose petals lining the aisle. He said, "we do have rehearsal, but for something else." (This is the church we got married in).  

He walked down the aisle first as a CD of 'our songs' was playing. I walked down the aisle to meet him at the alter where there were tons of candles and a bouquet of roses. He got down on one knee and asked "are you ready to sport my bling?" I cried. I said yes. The rest is history. :) 

Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

Hmm. Strawberries, champagne and rose petals. (And pampering!! :) 

Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

Both!

Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?

Would love to travel to Europe--he has been there before and loved it. And spend a week somewhere TOTALLY relaxed with unlimited spa services together.  

Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.

Not sure yet...shhh...

{this was last valentine's day. reasons why i love him surrounding his office door}

Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

Nope.

Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

Be slow to speak and quick to listen. Forgive quickly. Don't forget to have fun and just enjoy each other's company! 

Show us a picture of what love means to you.

LOVE YOU JEREMY MATTHEW!! <3

your boo, 

♥erica