The beautiful relationship we share all started with one of the most important relationships some of us are so lucky to have, a sibling. Justin met Payton’s sister at a fundraising event, she stole his phone and immediately started messaging Payton over instagram. From there we had our first date and instantly knew we had something worth growing.

Instead of jumping right into a relationship Payton thought it would be a good idea to play hard to get. Justin did not get timid or unmotivated because he could see a future with her. So he kept texting, calling and falling for her. But nothing worked, she seemed uninterested. Until one day, Justin mentioned he was moving to Arizona and was ready to play the same game. When Payton found out she was visibly concerned and knew that it was time to get serious. Our very next date, Payton asked Justin if they could be exclusive and Justin responded “If you visit me in Arizona then of course”. Now the ball was in Payton’s court and she flew in to see Justin less than 24 hours after he moved a state away. This is when Justin knew without a doubt that Payton was all in and from there our relationship blossomed.

We created great memories in Arizona and it is truly where we fell in love. It was tough being long distance but we made sure to stay in contact and visit each other whenever possible which was a major sacrifice for the both of us but we made it work. After nearly a year of long distance we moved in together and the relationship just continued to get stronger. In Payton’s words, Justin “finally” proposed after dating for a year and a half in Kaua’i. The ring brought big smiles, tears and laughter and this assured Payton that Justin was committed to a life with her.