CANDACE JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

IT ALL STARTED WHEN…

They rushed me to the hospital because my knee was split open. While waiting in the room, all I could think about was how anyone was going to get a hold of AJ and let him know I was ok. We were so fresh and new that not many people had our phone number.

Somehow, while I was in the ER, everyone was trying to figure out how to find me to see what was going on. I don't have any family out here, for it was all just friends trying to find me. My co-worker finally was able to come see me and give me my stuff. After knowing I was ok, I asked has anyone had gotten a hold of AJ, and she said, “Yes, he's out in the waiting room.” I felt so relieved to know he was here. I have never gone through something like this, and just knowing he was here made me feel so much better. He finally came back, and I knew from the moment he walked in that I was in love with him and he was my person. He didn't hesitate to help me with whatever was needed. He told me I was going to come stay and his place so he could take care of me because I was in a full knee brace and was bedridden. That whole experience brought us closer together. I truly felt the love he has for me, and the selflessness he had was something I had never experienced. As awful as the accident was, I am truly blessed that god was with me that night and blessed me with an amazing man.

My best friend and her cousin were always trying to set me up with a guy, but they never turned out good. One day, Annie (the cousin) said, “Hey, I actually got a guy in mind for you, he's super sweet, his name is AJ.” I was hesitant, but said, “Sure, I guess you can give him my number.” Never thinking anything of it. A few weeks go by, and I never hear anything, so I figured it just wasn't going to happen till I was at my best friend’s house, and Annie was there, and AJ was brought up, and she said, “Shoot, I never sent you his number!” Well, the next thing I knew, I got a text that night from AJ. We texted every day for probably a month before we saw each other due to our schedules never lining up. We went on our first date or a steakhouse and talked for hours, so much next thing we knew it was 3 in the morning. The next day, we were still talking, and he invited me over to his house to cook me dinner, which was amazing. Long story short, after that first date, we never left each other; we spent every day together.

One moment that has happened that really brought us together and verified that he was the one was the night I got into my car accident. We had only been dating a month at this point, and I was on the phone with him, leaving work, when a drunk driver hit me and totaled my car. Luckily, my co-worker, who is also a good friend, was behind me and was there to help me.

THE PROPOSAL

We were in Branson, Missouri, for a vacation with friends for Christmas. We had one more night left, which happened to fall on New Year's Eve, that also happened to be AJ's birthday. We had planned to all go to this super fancy restaurant that evening, get all dressed up, and head over to dinner. When we walked to our table, AJ's mom and stepdad were sitting at the table waiting for us, which, looking back, I should have realized what was going on, but AJ played it off really cool, and they all told me they were here for his birthday and didn't want to miss it. I thought “aww that's sweet,” still having no idea what's about to happen. We finished dinner, and AJ said, “Hey, let's all go over to the big light-up Christmas tree that's right down the road.” Still in denial, I said, “Yes, I am down” because heck, it looked so pretty. We made our way over when he was holding my hand, and he tugged and told me to turn around. Everyone had their cameras out, and AJ was on his knees asking me to marry him!!! I was completely shocked and have been waiting for this moment since I knew he was the man I wanted to marry. It was the easiest yes I have ever said! All of the family was on FaceTime watching this incredible moment happening to us! Then I said, “Wait, is that why y'all are here and not for his birthday?” Everyone laughed and said, “Yes!” I am incredibly lucky to have such an amazing man and his wonderful family to support and love us!

***WHAT MOMENT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ON YOUR WEDDING DAY?***

I think I'm looking forward to finally becoming a Martinez! The moment they finally announce us as “Mr. and Mrs. Martinez” is going to be spectacular! I think our first dance will be something else that I'm looking forward to. We always talk about that moment and the song we picked; it's something that we both love and brings us such happiness and love for each other.

***WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TWIN LAKES?***

When touring venues, AJ really wanted water in the background of us getting married, as well as me. When we pulled up, we were both so excited about Twin Lakes. We loved the land that it was on and loved that everything was all in the same place. We couldn't get over how beautiful it was, where we could be getting married, and were able to picture us both up there with all our loved ones watching us. We loved meeting with Jane and just felt like she cared about what we were looking for and answered all of our questions throughout the whole venue, which was exactly what we're looking for and fits both of us very well.

ADVICE FOR FUTURE COUPLES:

Enjoy the process. I know it will be stressful, but it will all be worth it, and you get to marry the man of your dreams at the end of it.

WEDDING THEME/STYLE

I'm not too sure on the exact theme, but I love the rustic look. Our colors were navy blue, steel blue, and white with lots of greenery. We wanted something beautiful but not over-the-top glam.