I Can’t Believe It’s Been Four Years Since I Finally Met the Man of My Dreams [PHOTOS]

Yesterday was my anniversary... kinda. My husband and I met four years ago--and on July 9, 2010, we went on our first date. The way we met was kind of strange, but y'all know nothing is off limits with me (or my personal life), so OF COURSE I'm sharing that story with you.

My husband, Will, and I met online. There. I said it: We met via online dating. I moved to Tuscaloosa in January of 2009 because of a prior relationship which ended up panning out. I was single by early 2010, and having just got out of something serious, I wasn't looking for any kind of major commitments. I went on some dates with different dudes, and I'll admit I enjoyed kind of "playing the field."

Anyway, the first time I saw the dude of my dreams was online. I was searching for interesting guys and had decided to check out the Birmingham dating scene. My initial reaction upon seeing Will was like, "HOT GUY ALERT," and when I checked out his profile, I saw we had a lot in common: The Big Lewbowski, My Morning Jacket, Sushi. I was ridiculously nervous about messaging him, but I did it anyway.

He replied. (THANK YOU, GOD.)

We messaged back and forth for a while before exchanging phone numbers, and then we texted for a couple of weeks before going on our first date. I have never been more nervous about meeting another person in my life. I even left work early that day so I'd have enough time to get ready for our date.

He was even more handsome in person, and we had The Greatest First Date Ever. We ate at Hokkaido. We got tiramisu at Little Italy. He made me laugh. It was awesome.

Three years and one month later, we tied the knot: August 9, 2013. It seems cliche and all, but my husband really is my best friend. He has always been there for me: taking me to the beach, taking care of me when I'm sick, bringing me ginger-ale when I was KO'ed by morning sickness, getting up at 3 a.m. to feed our screaming newborn, and never once complaining--at least not to my face.

Our life together is the best, and when I am with him, I am home. I am so happy he asked me on that date four years ago...