Josh and Colette's story began in January 2018 at the start of their policing careers. While Josh was hired by the Delta Police Department, and Colette by the Vancouver Police Department, their paths would eventually cross at the Justice Institute of BC Police Academy. On January 15, 2018, Colette, Josh, and 29 other police academy recruits lined up bright and early for their first inspection. The Sergeant Major walked by, meticulously inspecting each recruit one by one. Josh couldn’t help but notice Colette’s slicked back hair bun, and Colette swears she was nearly blinded by Josh’s freshly shaved head glistening under the bright lights.

As the first few weeks of the Police Academy progressed, Josh and Colette found themselves seated next to one another during traffic training. As fate would have it, the traffic Sergeant tasked the class with issuing a violation ticket to the recruit sitting next to them. As Josh and Colette exchanged their drivers licenses, Josh noticed that Colette's address was only a few minutes away from where he lived. Josh took this opportunity to suggest that the two of them car pool to the academy for the remainder of their training.

As their training continued for the next 11 months, Josh and Colette car pooled, and studied for exams and practical scenarios together. Upon graduating from the Police Academy, they maintained their friendship which eventually blossomed into a relationship full of love, laughter and adventure.

Josh and Colette moved in together in 2020 at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. They knew that if their relationship could withstand isolation from the world in a 800 square foot apartment, while binge watching Tiger King and Love is Blind, they could get through anything together.

After a full year of Colette flooding Josh’s Instagram inbox with engagement ring photos, he finally got the hint. Josh planned a spontaneous trip to Paris while the two were visiting Colette’s brother Jakob in Switzerland.

On October 14, 2022, Josh and Colette drank wine by the Eiffel Tower, tried delicious French pastries, and visited the Louvre museum together. Later that evening, Josh surprised Colette with a dinner reservation in the heart of Paris. Josh was adamant that they walk to dinner instead of taking a taxi, as there was a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower on the way. Colette reluctantly agreed, knowing full well the torrential downpour would ruin her hair, and her heels wouldn't fare well on the cobblestone streets. The rain had temporarily subsided as they walked across the Bir Hakeim bridge, but the Eiffel Tower was still shrouded by rain clouds. Upset that this had ruined his plan to propose with the view of the Eiffel Tower in the background, Josh knew he likely wouldn’t get another opportunity to propose in the city of love. As they walked across the bridge, a photographer grabbed Colette's attention, asking if he could use the couple to adjust the lighting on his camera. This was Josh's cue to get down on one knee. Just as Josh popped the question, the rain clouds dispersed, and the Eiffel Tower appeared in the background like something out of a movie. Colette said “yes” while wiping away tears of joy, staring at the beautiful ring symbolizing Josh’s love and commitment to her forever. Colette soon discovered that the photographer was in on the surprise proposal, and captured the moment on his camera.

Although Josh adamantly denies that car-pooling with Colette during the Police Academy was anything more than to save gas money, it really was the start of their happily ever after.