Some love stories begin later in life, but ours started all the way back in preschool — before we even knew what “love” meant. Bryant’s mom was an assistant in Nichole’s preschool class, and years later, his aunt became her basketball coach. He would come to practices to help out, never knowing we’d one day end up here — planning forever together. When Bryant moved to Nichole’s school junior year, we reconnected. Bryant kept trying to hang out, but Nichole always seemed to have an excuse. Eventually, she finally said yes — but not before asking her mom for permission. Her mom agreed… as long as we were just friends. (Spoiler alert: that didn’t last long.) Fast forward to July 4th, 2021 — the day we officially started dating. What began as a friendship turned into something deeper, something steady and real. Through every season — the laughter, the challenges, and all the little moments in between — we’ve only grown closer. We’ve truly become best friends, each other’s favorite person, and one another’s calm through it all. On a jeep ride to Madison, Indiana, Bryant planned the most perfect proposal with Hayleigh (Nichole’s best friend and now sister-in-law) and her husband. They took us to a beautiful waterfall, where Bryant got down on one knee and asked the easiest question ever. From preschool to high school to forever — our story has come full circle, and it feels like it was always meant to be.