Like a lot of modern love stories, ours began in the simplest way, with a single message that changed everything. Brayden was starting his junior year of college, and Bekka was heading into her sophomore year when we first started talking. Neither of us expected much, but after one conversation, it was clear something was different. Those first few months were full of late-night dinners, ice cream runs, and movie nights that usually turned into laughing and talking for hours. Things just felt easy. Then, about six months in, COVID hit, and suddenly we were doing long distance before we had even had a chance to really settle in. Between phone calls, SnapChat streaks, TFT games, and weekend visits whenever we could, we figured out what it meant to truly show up for each other. After we both graduated, life led us to Midland, where we moved in together and started building a life of our own. We have learned a lot since then: how to cook (at least Brayden did), how to share closet space (Bekka is still winning that one), and how to keep laughing through all of life’s little moments. Six years later, on a completely ordinary Monday afternoon, Brayden turned the laundry room into the most beautiful surprise filled with photos and handmade gifts from throughout our relationship. When Bekka saw him down on one knee, she instantly collapsed into his arms, overwhelmed with love, surprise, and maybe a few happy tears. It was simple, heartfelt, and absolutely perfect, the truest reflection of us. Now, we cannot wait to celebrate this next chapter surrounded by all our favorite people, the ones who have cheered us on through it all.