Dustin Jones and Shae Cacciola are a local couple who knew each other for three years before deciding they were much more than just friends. After six months of dating, Dustin decided proposing to Shae on her birthday was the perfect time to commit to forever.
Both owners of their own companies (Dustin Jones Construction and Shae Cacciola Photography), Dustin and Shae are an inspiring example of true love and faithfulness.
The decision to pop the big question was anything but spur of the moment. “It took essentially six months of prayer and getting timed out advice from spiritual mentors,” Dustin said. “Then there were a couple of months of planning and waiting for the ring to be completed.”
The proposal itself was a big event. Shae’s best friend and fellow photographer, Brittany Strickland, came to Shae and told her she needed a few last-minute headshots for a publication that was going to feature her.
“I had the most rushed day and felt stupid for trying to do too much,” Shae said. “I got frustrated and almost told her I couldn’t make it.”
Thankfully, she showed up anyway. “I met Brittany downtown for the shoot, and about halfway through the session, she swapped places to take pictures of me. I entertained her, knowing all professional photographers hate being in front of the camera.”
The shoot took place on the top of a parking garage, at sunset, in 35-degree weather. “I noticed a shadow walking up, and my mind started racing about who Brittany and I were going to have to fight,” Shae said. “I turned quickly to see Dustin, and asked, ‘What in the world are you doing here?’ completely clueless!” As Dustin got closer, Shae heard a familiar song playing from his jacket pocket – the song they had just cried to the last week together and chosen for their own one-day wedding. “In his most sincere voice and with tears in his eyes, he asked me, ‘Are you ready to do this?’ and I knew he meant life as a team, helping others with the restorative power of Jesus as our core foundation,” Shae said. “He poured his heart out, got down on one knee and offered me a beautiful ring set. I couldn’t wait to say yes.”
“My favorite thing about Dustin is, hands down, his relationship and loyalty to God and his provider heart,” Shae said. But she was quick to also admire his stature and his eyes.
Dustin has similar favorite qualities about Shae. “By far, the best thing about her is her relationship with God and the way she handles me,” Dustin said. “Also, her hair.”
Dustin and Shae will tie the knot as soon as possible within the next few months. “I’m looking forward to life together,” Shae said. “I can’t wait for the everyday starting and ending together, settling into the ebb and flow of life as a family.”
