Once upon a time a few years ago, over a latte here and a random conversation there, I got to see the heart of this beautiful girl that I'd known for most of my life, but didn't really KNOW.  

She is lovely inside and out, and I am blessed to call her a friend.  

One of the things that makes me so very happy, is seeing my friends so very happy.  

And of late, Carmen is just that - so.very. happy.  

I'll start at the beginning...

A few years back, Carmen told me about this chap she'd met at work.  His name was Aaron.  

He was tall, handsome, obsessed with Apple products, and he liked cars and more importantly, her, a lot.

Work turned out to be a grand place to be, mainly because they were there together.  And if you've ever been in love, you know it's true: the what and where doesn't matter so much when that-person-who-turns-your-world-upside-down-and-right-side-up-all-at-the-same-time is there too.

So they worked, and flirted, and fell in love little bits at a time, and they proved to be brilliant at multi-tasking in these three departments.

Nearly four years later, though they no longer share the same work environment that brought them together, they've figured out that they'll do whatever they have to to prioritize togetherness. 

Sidenote: As the youngest child in her family, Carmen occupies the spot as the beloved little sister of all of her siblings.  Her fun, laid-back personality brings an ease to her relationships with others that naturally gives people a place to simply breathe and be themselves.  She's creative, she loves showering thoughtful little gifts on others, and is insanely good with kids (her four nieces adore her).  

Earlier this year, Aaron and Carmen spent a week in Florida vacationing with his family.  Aaron is a self-proclaimed dreadful secret keeper when it comes to exciting things like rings in pockets, so he entrusted the ring with family on the flight south, to keep himself from proposing on the plane, ahead of his scheduled plan.  Along the shores of Lake Eola, the time was finally right and he asked Carmen to spend the rest of her life with him.

She said yes, and as of May 2015, there will be a new Mr. & Mrs. Hilbert in town. ;)

Fun Fact: Aaron built this guitar.  Yes, you heard me correctly.  He built it.  Carmen glowingly told me he plays brilliantly as well.  Apparently there are those who play well, and those who build well.  And then there are the anomalies like Aaron, who can play AND build well.

Carmen and Aaron fit each other so well.  His intensity, focus, and passion for all things done with excellence is perfectly balanced by Carmen's laid back, fun approach to life.  

Guys, I'm so incredibly excited to witness the beginning of this next chapter of your lives.  Can't wait for the big day!