Some love stories unfold slowly. Ours flourished quickly, grounded in something that just felt right. Our paths crossed thanks to two people who know us best—Brooke and Nick. I’ve known them both since middle school, and over the years, they’ve become family. When Nick met Sam in college, none of us could have guessed how important that connection would become. During Brooke’s bachelorette weekend, she decided it was time to make a little magic happen. What started as a casual, playful introduction quickly became the beginning of our forever. From that very first call, something was different. There was comfort, steadiness, and a sense of ease that grew with every conversation. It all moved fast, but it felt completely right. Fast forward to my 30th birthday—on a Christmas Eve dinner boat cruise on the Cincinnati River with Sam’s family, he proposed. It turned into a night we’ll never forget, and a hard birthday to top. Before Sam’s deployment, we took the steps to get legally married—a quiet and personal decision, rooted in timing, love, and what made sense for us. But from the beginning, we knew we still wanted to celebrate this chapter in a way that brought our people together. This celebration is that moment—the one where we get to gather with all of you and honor the full story: the friendships that brought us together, the love that’s grown with intention and joy, and the journey that’s led us here. We’re so grateful to have you as part of it.