We were young and dumb in the wild times of 8th grade. He had his clique and I had mine. Being the first few in the school gym for early morning drop off awaiting to go to first period we shared a few passing glances from across the bleachers. Though most of our conversations happened via text and Facebook “LMS for TBH and Rate” the sparks were flying and our friends could tell. Being an eighth grader we weren’t ready to settle down. We fell off the face of the earth in high school. I never heard his name or even saw him around much but in every year book we were always beside each other. Fast forward to after high school in 2017- our mutual friend and him decided to have a get together with some other mutual friends. We connected on a silly, cute friendship level fairly quick but knowing it couldn’t be anything more because he was about to leave for college in FL 8 hours away. Due to some circumstances he ended up staying in SC. And needless to say we connected on a strong and deeper level. On August 27th, 2017 around 10am he asked me to be his girlfriend. Since then we have been through 11 vehicles, 7 fur babies, job promotions, and got a house! As for everyone the journey has not been the easiest but we’ve conquered every obstacle thrown our way. Like those yearbooks we have been beside each other every step of the way and now forever beside each other in life. So glad to have everyone who supports us in every aspect join us on our special day and welcome to our forever.

His aunt, uncle and cousins came in from way out of town to visit. Out of the 5 years this was my first time meeting them! On their second to last day was our 5 year anniversary. His Nan wanted to take family pictures same night so immediately I was stressed because if you know me- I do not like being crunch for time. Obviously both of these events meant the world to us so we made it work. We got dressed to go to dinner for our anniversary. As we were finishing up he started to get a little fidgety and on his phone a little more. At the time I didn’t think anything of it he was just communicating with family to let them know we were headed back from Charlotte to Rock Hill. On the drive headed to fountain park, where we were taking family pictures, my sister texted him. I only knew because he was connected to my CarPlay. Weird. I asked what she wanted and shortly after another one came through. He said she texted the wrong person and I thought “oooookay”. Little bit later, his mom calls and with very little being said he hung up. We arrive at the fountain and he sits for a minute before getting out the car. We head over and before walking down the stairs I see my sister come walking out immediately turning back around. My butterflies start to flutter.. we continue to walk down the stairs as I see his family- he guided me into rose petals scattered into a shape of a heart and floating tea lights spelling “Marry Me”. I was on cloud 9 and shaking like a leaf from excitement and adrenaline. Between the sound of rushing water (the fountain and my tears) and my heart beat I hear him say something along the lines “will you marry me”. Easiest YES ever. After falling into him embracing me in a hug he turns me and to my other side is my family. It meant the world to me to have all of mine and his family around us in this moment. Now I can’t wait to have everyone around us as we say “I do” and the beginning of our next chapter.