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Chad and I met in college in May 2002 when I took over his student government position. I called him to learn about what the position entailed. During our meeting he interrupted me to tell me that I had the most beautiful eyes. I thanked him but didn't really think too much of it. The next day I left to go home for the summer, and I wasn't really thinking about Chad until he started emailing me more things about my new position, slipping into his emails things like: "When you come back to Utah, I really should take you out to lunch." I started paying more attention to him then, and we emailed all summer long.When I returned to Utah, he was the first person I saw on campus, and all of a sudden he looked so good to me. Attraction started growing as we started working on projects together. We became really good friends at first, and the more we talked the more time we wanted to spend together. One night he came over to my place on a dare, and that night we kissed for the first time!
After that we just hung out more and more and dated each other for a few months before we started talking about marriage. We knew we wanted to be together, but some differences caused us to break off our relationship a few times. We were on and off over the next few months, during which I realized that I wanted to be with Chad no matter what!
Over the 4th of July weekend in 2003 I visited a friend in Arizona to think about things. We were on a break at the time. By the time I got back I wanted to talk to him. I called him and told him I needed to talk to him. He said he was planning on meeting up with a friend in Cedar City. I asked him if I could come with him. He reluctantly agreed, and so we went down to Cedar City together, talking about us on the way. By the time we got there, we were holding hands and acting like a couple again. So the next morning, we looked at each other and said: "If we are going to be together let's make it official. Vegas is only two hours away."
We were both tired of being on and off, knowing full well we wanted to be together. So, after a long prayer and a long talk, we drove to Vegas and were married on July 7, 2003. Even though we had no family or friends with us, it was the most wonderful day of our lives.
We have been happily married for the past five years and have been blessed with two beautiful children.
Our story was also published on Laura Brotherson's Strengthening Marriage Blog. Check out her blog by clicking here. It has a lot of helpful resources, including info on her book: And They Were Not Ashamed. Click on the title to learn more about the book.
I hope you enjoyed getting to know me and Chad a little better. ;)
Have a great weekend!
***Naomi Carmen***
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