Our love story began in the bustling hallways of the Downingtown STEM Academy. Clay was the effortlessly charming senior with a magnetic personality, a dazzling smile, deep dimples and, of course, a bright red Mustang. I was a bright-eyed sophomore, gushing over my upperclassmen crush, “Clay Kovatch”, during Khalifa family dinners. As fate would have it, two years later, an unexpected and somewhat drunken FaceTime call from Clay—celebrating a Philadelphia Eagles win—ignited our romance. We began dating just a month before my high school graduation, blissfully ignoring the looming challenge of long distance. Our summer was filled with Chipotle dates, Marsh Creek days, beach weekends and many other memories that would last a lifetime. With Clay studying in Florida and me in Philly, we navigated the hurdles of long distance. Luckily, our love only grew stronger through late-night FaceTime calls, surprise care packages, and visits overflowing with laughter and bittersweet tears when parting was inevitable. After countless miles traveled, we eventually found ourselves back in the same state, embracing a “medium distance” relationship for the next few years. Now, seven years later, as we plan our wedding and look to the future, we cherish the journey that brought us together. Every moment—whether spent in the same city or miles apart—has led us to this exciting chapter of our lives. Clayton and I are ready to start our lives together and are eager to write the next pages of our love story.