Our story didn't start with a chance meeting or out on the town; it began twenty years ago in a classroom of our small town elementary school. We were fast friends from the start—the kind of inseparable pair that teachers just expected to see together. Because we were so attached, I spent my after-school hours at his mother’s daycare while my parents worked late. It wasn't just a place to wait; it was where our lives truly merged. I didn't just fall for Jared; I grew up alongside his entire world. I became a fixture in his family, befriending his older brother and younger sister. Our childhood was a blur of shared playdates, CCD classes, little league games, swimming, weekends at the campground, endless street basketball games and spoonfuls of peanut butter. Before we reached the age of 10, my mother would reference Jared as her "Future Son in Law".... little did we know at the time, she was onto something! High school brought new challenges and friendships, but Jared remained my constant. When high school ended, the 'just friends' label finally fell away. With even more time together, everything clicked. We realized we weren't just best friends—we were each other’s forever. As we near 9 years together as a couple, with 20+ years of friendship, we are reminded just how truly blessed we are. We haven't tired of one another in the slightest. We are best friends first, lovers second, and adventure buddies always. Now, we are ready for our greatest adventure yet: building a home, a family, and a life, together!