John and Heidi’s story began many, many years ago. Heidi was in middle school when her brother’s friend John began coming over after school almost everyday. By the time she was in high school they were good friends themselves, and after a while John found that he enjoyed Heidi’s company more than her brother’s! They remained close friends for several years, and started dating the summer before her senior year. Fast forward 11 years later while the two were on vacation in Marco Island, John planned an elaborate engagement (after dating for that long, he knew he better make it good!) They went hiking through the Everglades and kayaking through the mangroves before landing on a private island where a bucket with champaign and glasses were planted. Just then a plane circled above them with a banner that said “HEIDI MY <3 WILL YOU MARRY ME”. He got on one knee and presented her with the same red twisty-tie formed into a ring that he proposed to her with when she was 16, and when she said “yes!” he pulled out a beautiful diamond ring and placed it on her finger. After all that time together, they thought “why rush now?” and planned to get married 2 years later in Marco Island where the magic happened. The gorgeous Marco Island Marriott was the first and last venue they looked at. It was such a beautiful ceremony on the beach filled with tears of joy for knowing that they were marrying each other’s best friend and soul mate. 
