KINDERGARTEN...yes, we're serious. Chris and I were in Mrs. Owen's classroom when we initially met, then four years later we entered the same 4th grade class with Ms. Townes. Our mutual connection was competing to become the teacher's pet... we both hate losing. Eventually, I noticed that I could not get away from Chris. After elementary school, we remained in contact through Shelby Park. I saw him weekly when I was attending cheerleading practice. He would be at football practice and he would go out of his way to locate me only to pick on me. This game literally lasted for years until I stopped showing up at the park. This was before teens and preteens had cell phones therefore we eventually lost contact. In 2009, my best friend and now Matron of Honor gave Chris my cell phone number (I think it was supposed to be a joke). We have spoken to each other EVERYDAY since then... ELEVEN years later, we are getting married!

The proposal went like this... it was July 4th, one of my favorite holidays. The day I’ve been waiting for at least ten years now. Everything finally aligned and the universe gave me my perfect shot. I had most the family together for support and the moment they’ve been waiting forever to see. That morning I got up and met up with my little brother and best friend to buy fireworks. I told them what I had planned for the day and they helped me iron out a few wrinkles to make it go as smooth as possible. After I left from those guys I went to her parents' house because I knew I had to get the blessing from her mom and dad. I have a great deal of respect for the both of them so I wouldn’t try to do it any other way. After I got there, I asked them for their blessing. They were both happy and excited and helped me polish my idea on where I should do it. I went to my parents house to let them know my intentions for the day ahead. Everyone was extremely happy ultimately making the day that much better. I got all the family plans together and we met up at her parents house, and the time was drawing near everyone had made their way outside onto the deck and I was as nervous as I have ever been. I finally did my last little walk through with my brother Jaelynn, took a shot for good luck, and I finally got enough courage to ask her if she wanted to continue it journey together but as my wife. Of course she said yes and here we are just months away from together forever...