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Melissa, 29, and Josh,28, were each vacationing with family and friends when they met on a seven-day cruise. The two got to know one another during that week and continued to develop their relationship after they returned to dry land. The couple married Sept. 25, 2009 and live in Charlotte. Melissa tells their story.
Arguable initiation: I was ordering a drink from the club bar on the first night of a Caribbean cruise when a cute guy hopped on the stool next to me. We disagree on who started the conversation, but I didn’t mind when we started running into each other around the ship. Before long, it seemed like we started to find each other on purpose, and Josh and I learned we lived only 30 miles apart.
Back to reality: When we came back to port, we left our vacation thinking we might see each other again. But just a few hours later, I got a call from Josh. Weeks later he drove down for the Fourth of July, and our first official date was watching fireworks with friends.
Perfect timing: I really liked Josh’s humor, intelligence and persistence. My parents were living in the Dominican Republic as missionaries at the time, and I felt like he came into my life when I needed him most with them being away.
Ever after: I thought Josh could be “the One,” but I knew it for sure when he gave up his time off to volunteer with me in the Dominican Republic. We just celebrated our third anniversary and Josh tells me every day how lucky he is. Honestly, I feel pretty lucky myself. Hilary Trenda
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