If you know us, then you already know our love story tends to be told a little differently mostly because his version and my version never quite match! What we do agree on, though, is that from the very beginning, our connection was undeniable. We are a couple with big personalities and even bigger love. When we first met, we instantly clicked. Our friends saw the chemistry before we fully admitted it ourselves and were constantly encouraging us to get together. The connection felt almost scary at times we would look at each other and you could feel the intensity without saying a word. From day one, he showed me exactly who he was. After our first night together, he made sure I got home safely, and at 9 a.m. the next morning, he texted asking if he could FaceTime me. At the time, I had never had a guy ask to FaceTime and definitely not that early in the morning! After getting myself together, I said yes, and he immediately asked if he could see me again the following day. Since then, we’ve been inseparable. He is loving, caring, funny, and incredibly easy to be around. I always joke that he has never met a stranger. Somewhere between the laughter, the conversations, and simply enjoying each other’s presence, he became my best friend the person who brings me peace just by being near. Fast forward six years later, and he finally proposed as my friends and family would happily say! What I didn’t know was that everyone, including my 10-, 13-, and 17-year-old bonus kids, had been helping him plan the surprise. On Sunday, June 23, 2024, I went to brunch with my best friends for what I thought was our usual monthly gathering called “Love Day,” when our families come together to spend time with one another. But that day was anything but ordinary. While I was away, my now-fiancé transformed our backyard into the perfect proposal setting, surrounded by family and friends even loved ones joining on Zoom. When I walked into the backyard and saw everyone gathered and him standing beneath a sign that read “Will you marry me?”, I was completely overwhelmed. It was more beautiful than anything I could have imagined, and sharing that moment with the people we love most made it unforgettable. What we cherish most about our relationship is how effortless it feels. We laugh, smile, play games, sit in comfortable silence, and simply enjoy being together. He is truly my best friend the person who keeps me grounded and reminds me to enjoy every moment. We are so excited to begin this next chapter together and see what the future holds. We both dream of growing our family and can’t wait for the day we get to share that news. Being loved the right way naturally and wholeheartedly has been nothing short of unreal, and we can’t wait for forever together.

It was May 2018 when our paths first crossed. We were both attending one of my good friend Brandon “Jojo” Lafell’s football camps. She was over in the medical tent, helping players who had cramps or needed stretching so they could get back out and continue working hard. Meanwhile, I was with the receivers, teaching a few techniques and putting in some work of my own. At one point, I felt like someone was watching me. When I turned around, there she was — just staring while I was doing my thing. We never actually spoke at the camp, but the eye contact we shared was enough to spark something special. Later that night, everyone went out to celebrate the camp weekend, and of course, she was there too. All I had to do was see her again, and it was on like Donkey Kong. Jojo had just brought us some drinks, and the party was getting started. She noticed I had a bottle of her favorite drink at the time, recognized me from earlier, and decided she wasn’t going to let the moment pass her by again. Duke, Green, and I walked over to where they were, and I handed her the bottle — and, as they say, the rest is history. We’ve been together ever since, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. A couple of years later — who’s really counting? — I proposed. It was everything I had always dreamed of. With the help of several people, I was able to completely surprise her, and every moment was worth it. There were so many tears of joy. Diamond is truly one in a million. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for anyone, which speaks volumes about her character and how she was raised. I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world. Her selflessness has rubbed off on me too — along with a few other traits I won’t mention, lol. The road to marriage hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been one only God knew we could handle. Through it all, we’ve learned the depth of our love and our willingness to fight for each other every single day. I’m with you until the wheels fall off — and I’ll keep going even when there are no wheels left. I love you dearly and with all my heart.