We went to school together starting in sixth grade, but didn't really interact until our junior year of high school. Earlier in that year, our best friends started dating, so we were together in larger groups on occasion. When prom came around in May of 2018, I wanted Alex to take me. Alex, however, wasn't sure if he wanted to go to prom, let alone with me, but our friends convinced him to ask me anyway. Our first date was at Panera, and Alex asked me to prom in his car using a Yankee Candle that said "Prom?" on it. We got along really well, discovering our shared love of High School Musical and naming his car. Fast forward to prom night, Alex was nearly scared away as he came to pick me up because all of my family and neighbors were outside of my house to greet him. There was even a taxidermized raccoon and coyote hybrid in a baby stroller being pushed around. Despite the crazy start, we danced the night away and had the best time. We went back to our friend's house afterwards and continued to dance, totally caught up in one another. When our friend asked "are you two going to date or what," Alex looked down at me and said "do you want to?" Over seven years and a multitude of wonderful memories later, Alex and I went up to stay at my family's cottage on Glen Lake in August of 2024. We went out to a nice dinner with my family, and Alex asked me to go on a hike up one of our favorite trails afterward. As we were admiring the view at the top of Empire Bluffs, Alex asked me to marry him. As we're entering this next chapter of our lives, we can't help but be grateful for all that we've experienced together and excited for all that is still ahead of us. We can't wait to celebrate with you!