Hector and Shannon met in study hall back in 2014 at Plainfield South High School. We had mutual friends and definitely knew of each other, but study hall is where we officially met while sitting right next to each other. We had no idea that an alphabetical seating chart and a game of Flappy Bird would end up changing our lives. A little while later, Hector asked Shannon to prom. We were “just friends,” but let’s be honest… something was there, even if Shannon didn’t want to admit it yet (sorry Hector). On May 19, 2015, Hector finally asked Shannon to be his girlfriend. It was worth the wait, right Hector? Hector was a year older, so he graduated first and went off to Northern Illinois University. We navigated long-distance with weekend visits, late-night calls, missing each other more than we expected, and realizing that even distance couldn’t shake what we were building. After Shannon graduated, she went to Illinois State University, which meant more long distance. Instead of pulling us apart, it made our relationship stronger. After many weekend trips, Hector decided in 2017 to transfer to ISU for his personal and professional goals. And let’s be honest… Shannon being there definitely helped. From there came the ISU tailgates, sorority dances, study nights, nights out dancing, and spending time together in Uptown Normal or Downtown Bloomington. We grew up side by side, learning who we were as individuals while figuring out who we were together. Our relationship didn’t just grow, it blossomed. After graduating, life brought us back to our hometown of Plainfield. Hector started his career and Shannon began student teaching. We were building a life slowly and intentionally and doing it together. In September 2021, we began our next chapter and officially moved in together. And because our hearts apparently weren’t full enough, we added our Zoey girl, our sweet dog who made our home feel even more like a home. Hector and Shannon have truly grown up alongside each other. From teenagers in study hall to partners building a life together, every chapter has brought us closer. We cannot wait for the next one, which is easily our biggest and most exciting chapter yet. Thank you for being a part of our love story. We cannot wait to celebrate our love with you all!