It all started in August 2020 at South Shore Beer Garden in Milwaukee. Brian was gearing up for another school year, while Ellie was preparing for her very first year of teaching at Carmen South Middle School. We met at a "Welcome the Teachers" get-together, just two educators sharing drinks, conversation, and excitement for the year ahead. Neither of us knew it at the time, but that night would be the start of something incredible. From day one, we became best friends—laughing, supporting each other, and building a bond that felt effortless. We never rushed what we both knew was something special. For a year and a half, our friendship grew stronger, until we finally admitted what we had probably known all along: this was meant to be. Brian always says he “played the long game”—patiently waiting, knowing Ellie was the one. And it paid off. Because when you fall in love with your best friend, you just know—it’s forever.