In high school, they only knew of each other. He was a basketball star; she was grade point average star. A few years out of high school, they connected on facebook. In a bold move, he asked for her number and called her. She was, at the time, doing an externship several hours away, but suddenly her weekends became crammed with trips back home. She joked that she was homesick, but the reality of it was she’d drive much further just for a chance to see him.

Months later, she finished her externship and got a job in Iowa City. It was a Monday; she hates Mondays. They had been dating for almost a year; 49 weeks to be exact. She got through that Monday with the incentive of a date night to look forward to.

She should’ve suspected something when he made her wear a blindfold in the car. But she kept thinking, “No, this isn’t really it…is it?” After a brief stop, the car smelled of cheese biscuits and delicious seafood (later discovering a Red Lobster picnic!), and they started driving again. Finally, he stopped the car, had her sit for a moment as he got out and arranged some things, then opened her door, took her hand, and led her onto a wooden platform that moved under her feet. She asked if it was a boat. She could hear strains of Michael Bublé, but she couldn’t see anything as the blindfold was still firmly in place. As they sat on what she would soon discover was a dock on the lake, he began to read to her a list he had made; a list of 49 things that he loves about her. [swoon] When he had reached the end of the list, he took off her blindfold and got down on one knee, presenting the question and a gorgeous ring.

As she took in their surroundings, the beautiful sunset, the water gently lapping against the dock, the blanket and picnic and music, she looked back at him and knew this was the one she would spend her life with. This man was the one whom she would love and be loved by. This man was hers.

Aaron and Midori are planning a spring wedding and I am simply thrilled to be witness to their love and commitment. These two are so sweet and genuine. Their love is simply-put infectious.

I love that Midori has this beautiful, natural laugh that she just can’t contain around Aaron. The instant I would ask her to not smile, she’d start laughing and it was magical!

I obviously have so many favorites from this couple, but I particularly love the one below right. Something about it just feels so…happy.

Remember how Aaron played basketball in high school? Well, he went on to play in college and now coaches high school basketball. You merely need to say the word “basketball” and his eyes light up. He wanted a picture with him and his “two loves”. I love that he’s spinning the basketball in the photo on the right, but giving Midori a kiss. I think it’s a great portrayal of how much he loves both, but ultimately, Midori still trumps the sport.

Congratulations, you two. I am so looking forward to your wedding in the spring. I know already it will just be a beautiful extension of your passions for life and love for each other.