Matthew Lawrence,

We have been dating for almost 2 years now and in those 2 years we have gotten to know each other so well and you're my best friend. You have always been here for me, through the good and bad times. I always told myself I would never get married and being single was in the cards for me but...then I met you and you changed my life for the better. You have encouraged me and supported me in my endeavors. I knew from the moment I met you that you would be special to me, as well as a permanent fixture in my life. It didn't take long for me to fall head-over heels in love with you. I am so proud of all you have accomplished at Campbell and it's hard to believe this coming year is your last year there and our last year in college together. I will always be grateful for the many opportunities Campbell has awarded us and for all the quality time we have spent there making memories.

Growing up, I was never the type of girl to swoon over rings or to obsess over my wedding. Something changed when I got to college though. I think every girl has this fairytale wedding in her mind and the anticipation of a proposal makes the waiting tough. All the Facebook posts, the announcements, the happiness...can be sweet but if your time hasn't arrived it can be hard to act excited. We have to build up to that though. We have been dating almost 2 years and some people get proposed to in far less time but I want you to be certain I'm the one. I don't want you to have any doubt at all. I may not be the woman for you but I do know this...you'll make one woman the happiest. I've never thought it was about the years...it is about the strength of the relationship. Who's to say a 7 year relationship is better than ours? It's simply not. Each relationship is different and each marriage is.

Although we both come from very different backgrounds, we are open-minded and know what we want in life. We have the same passion for life and the same values. We want the same things. I want a nice house in a quiet neighborhood, with a dog or two. I want our children to know we love them more than anything and that I would sacrifice anything to give them the world. I want them to know that Jews and Christians can love each other and be completely content. I love that you embrace your Jewish faith and our children will be able to experience that. They will see the joy of Christmas and the meaning behind it (the birth of Jesus). They will be able to celebrate Hanukkah as well and light the Menorah. It is so important that in this world of people coming from different backgrounds that we stand firm in our beliefs while also embracing the differences of others. We are God's children; rich, poor, black, white, broken, troubled. We should be kind to others, as kindness goes a long way.

I love who you are. You're all I've ever wanted. You're compassionate, loving, honest, loyal, patient, mindful, handsome, funny, strong, faithful, determined...The list could go on. You complete me so well. Your energetic nature balances out my calm quiet demeanor. You never seem to be at a loss for words. The way you love your mother is inspiring. They always say to judge how a man would treat his wife by the way he cares for his mother. You love your mom with everything you have. You defend her, you respect her, you put her first. She's probably the most important person in your life and I am thankful. I am thankful for the bond you two share as well as how she and your father have raised you.You and your brother are respectful gentlemen.

I have put you through hell and back, yet you're still here...fighting for me and making me a priority. I'm sorry for how I have acted in the past but I'm one of your biggest fans...I want to live the American dream with you. I want to travel. Oh, do I. I want you to be my travel partner in life. I want to fall in love all over again in the romantic city of Paris and have you show me around the busy streets of New York. I want to embrace your Italian heritage and go to Italy. I want to be bold with you and fearless. But, among the fancier things, the simple things mean just as much.

I want to have pillow fights. I want to laugh with you in our kitchen and play in the leaves in the fall. I want to dress up in couples costumes for Halloween and make dinner together. I want to fall asleep in your arms because that's where I feel most safe in this world. You're my home...wherever you are, I am. I want a bright and forever future with you. You're my one and only. I will wait for you. I will wait until you are ready to take the next step with me. In the meantime, I will enjoy going on many dates with you. I will get dressed up for you and we can hold hands and laugh in the back of the movies. I am so glad we met at 19. We are in our 20s and I've never felt more alive. Here's to the next few years, handsome and hopefully a lifetime with you. You're the most amazing man. I'm so happy you've chosen me. Oh, the places we'll go, together, as a couple. Together, anything is possible. I love you. I want to be your beautiful wife one day. I love being your girlfriend and I love how you look at me. The possibilities are endless.

Yours,

Elizabeth Magnolia