We met while attending Jacksonville State University, where we were both studying music at the time. After attending several classes together and seeing each other at rehearsals and events, we eventually went for an evening of racquetball together. We had a fun time, even though we were definitely not meant for the sport. After that, we began spending more free time together, going to the park, walking, and helping each other keep up with course work. Eventually, I took Braden to meet my parents for lunch, and afterwards, we decided we were definitely in a relationship. We grew together through all obstacles and challenges, both to us as individuals and as a pair. We grew even closer over distance as I marched drum corps in 2015, and then he did in 2016 and 2017. As soon as his first summer of drum corps wrapped, I was off to Orlando for the Disney College Program until the start of the new year. We are proud of having these experiences and happy to have had someone so supportive at our side, though miles away. Once these individual adventures concluded, we began a new adventure as a couple: living together. This brought a new depth to our love and tolerance for each other. In June of 2018, we took our long-planned road trip out west, visiting Texas, Santa Fe, Flagstaff, Monument Valley, Colorado Springs, and many other locations. In the middle of the trip, on June 8th, Braden and I were hiking in the Grand Canyon, when we made it to a secluded ridge abundant in beautiful scenery and birds. That's where he asked me to marry him, and I happily said yes. We are excited to see where life takes us and even more excited to do it together.