They say, “love is a friendship that caught fire”, and for us that statement couldn’t be more true. We met for the first time in April of 2006, and right away we established a friendship that little did we know would blossom into our happily ever after.We quickly became best friends, always talking and laughing. We worked in ministry together, confided in each other, gave advice and encouraged each other. We even went out on double dates together since we both were taken at the time (crazy, I know!). Both of our relationships hit rock bottom, and by February of 2007 we found ourselves single. Later that month, during an evening phone call, we discovered feelings for each other that neither of us had realized existed. Due to our recent breakups, we decided to not speak for a few months, putting our feelings for each other to the test.After three months of no communication, which felt like an eternity, we decided that we couldn’t do it any more. We knew right away that we belonged together, and we officially began dating on August 25, 2007. We got engaged on September 8, 2008, and we were married just eight months later, on May 16, 2009. We titled our vows, “When I say I do” and expressed to each other our personal meanings for the words “I do”. It was perfect.One day after being married for a year, while cleaning our apartment, I found the receipt for my wedding ring (yes, I was being nosey). I happened to notice the date that my ring was purchased. To my surprise, the receipt was dated September 7, 2007. I thought to myself, “clearly this is a mistake”, but it wasn’t. My husband purchased my ring just two short weeks after we began dating. So I guess this statement is true: “When you know, you KNOW!”

Two years into our marriage, after a year of contemplating, we decided that my husband would join the United States Marine Corps. This was by no means an easy decision, but nonetheless, I wanted to support my husband’s dream. Being away from each other for such long periods at a time was difficult to say the least, but at the same time it taught us so much. Most importantly, it taught us to never take each other for granted.

By our third year of marriage, October 2012, we found out that we were expecting, and not only were we expecting, but we were also brand new home owners. We were thrilled about the big changes that were happening in our lives.

After four years of marriage, on June 14, 2013, our lives were forever changed. Our prince, Josiah Alexander Robles, was brought into this world. At 8 pounds and 13 ounces, 21 1/4 inches long, we never imagined that someone SO SMALL could make such a HUGE impact in our lives.

One year later, five years married now, we decided to recommit ourselves to each other by renewing our vows. We titled these vows “When I say I STILL do.” These past five years have not been the easiest. We’ve had our share of highs and lows. Neither one of us is perfect, but ironically, we have never ever been happier. Our love for each other and our family grows deeper every single day. I never thought “growing old” could be so much fun. I wouldn’t change anything about our lives. It’s all simply blissful.

“We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.”

Josue and Diana Robles