Tim and I met in high school—we never really crossed paths until my senior year, when we ended up sharing one class together (it was a photography class!). We didn't know each other very well at the time—mostly because we were in different grades, so we barely saw each other before that. After seeing each other almost everyday in class, we learned later on that we had a lot of mutual friends and got to know each other more. Being the introvert that I am, I was too shy to talk to him first but Tim of course, made the first move. He offered to walk me to my next class (which would end up becoming a daily thing) and we’d share small conversations here and there; eventually becoming really good friends. We’d always find ways to pair up on projects and Tim would slip little notes in my textbooks. Little did I know he had a crush on me too, but neither of us could tell each other yet. I wasn't seriously trying to date anyone at the time, so I tried not to think too much of it. I was the seasoned third-wheel for most of my friends as a teenager, so I was convinced that I wasn't ever going to meet anyone. But when I met Tim, we instantly connected—and it wasn't hard to fall in love with him. After months of late night phone calls, endless movie dates, and playing Rock Band and Guitar Hero almost every weekend, our friendship grew into something more. On a late, rainy night after hanging out with friends, Tim asked me to be his girlfriend and the rest was history.

Even from when they first started dating, Tim was always sure of one thing—the moment he met Aster, he wanted to be with her forever. On the year of their 11th anniversary, Tim began planning his proposal. One Friday afternoon, with the ring in his pocket, Tim secretly visited Aster's parents while she was out running errands and asked them for their blessing. He showed them her ring and told them that he planned on proposing to Aster the following weekend. Aster came home not suspecting a thing, as Tim and her parents were good at keeping the surprise a secret. Weeks before, Tim asked Aster's sister, Lianna, to come home from northern VA to surprise her on the day of the proposal. On Saturday morning, Lianna traveled to Virginia Beach, while Aster's parents and Tim tried to make the day seem as ordinary and normal as possible to keep Aster from getting suspicious (she's usually good at sniffing out surprises). Once Lianna arrived home, she and her parents hid away while Tim asked Aster to come with him outside at her parents' garden. She didn't realize what was happening until Tim slowly got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Her sister and parents then came out to congratulate them. It was the easiest yes for Aster and having her family there made it the sweetest surprise.

Thank you to everyone who has been there for us throughout our 13-year love story — from falling in love as teenagers to starting a new journey in life together. We can't wait to celebrate with all of you on our special day! Love, Aster and Tim