We're Getting Married!

It all started in Mrs. Myers’ science class in middle school, where Drew and I first met. Little did we know then, that we’d become best friends who would grow together through the ups and downs of life. Our bond was instant, and it wasn’t long before we shared that unforgettable moment at our 8th-grade formal, where we danced together for the first time. It was a slow dance, but it felt like time stood still. That was the moment I knew Drew would be a special part of my life forever. High school came, and our friendship only grew stronger. We started waiting for each other after 6th period, deliberately taking that time to walk together to our next class. By the end of freshman year, we both knew something more was blossoming between us. And then, on August 22, 2014, Drew surprised me outside the football field, flowers in hand, and my favorite treat, a cookie cake. With a huge smile on his face, he asked me to be his girlfriend. Of course, I said yes, and our love story officially began. Drew met my mom and Malia first under the bleachers in the middle of halftime. My mom, as sweet as can be, was very excited to meet him while a shy Malia, who was 5 at the time, hid behind my mom the whole time. Two days later, he would meet my dad. Drew was so nervous that he hadn’t eaten all day (not the brightest idea). I’ll never forget how my dad walked him into the house, holding him up as he helped him through the door. He looked like a ghost, pale as could be! It’s one of those memories we still laugh about today and never let Drew live down. Through the next few years of high school, we made countless memories. But as high schoolers do, we had our growing pains and faced some tough times, including a few breakups. Yet, when we got back together during our senior year, I knew in my heart that Drew was the one. I knew we were meant to be together, and no matter what challenges came our way, we would handle them together, like we always had. As we moved on to college, we both went to different schools, as we knew it was important for us to grow individually. Although we didn’t like the idea of being away from each other (50 minutes to be exact), we had faith in our love, and we made it work (we were just a tad bit dramatic at the time). We were always there for each other, cheering one another on as we prepped for our careers—me as a nurse, Drew as a teacher. By 2021, we both graduated, and it became clear that we were ready for the next chapter. The talk of marriage started coming up more frequently as 2023 approached. I couldn’t help myself. I’d ask Drew, “When are you going to propose to me?” “Have you talked to my dad yet?” and “Do you have a ring?” He’d always answer with something like, “Don’t worry, I’ve got it all planned,” which made me even more impatient, but excited at the same time. Then, on July 1, 2023, it happened. Drew proposed in the most beautiful way imaginable—surrounded by a heart of roses, our favorite pictures, and one our favorite songs by Brian McKnight playing in the background. He gave the most heartfelt speech (though I was in complete shock and didn’t hear a word of it at the time). He asked, “Will you marry me?” & without missing a beat, I said YES! Now, as we plan our wedding and look forward to our future together, I can’t help but think about how far we’ve come. We’ve been through so much in the last 10 years, and we’ve grown together, learning and evolving through every challenge and triumph. It hasn’t always been easy, but that’s what makes our love so strong. We’re about to start this new chapter, and I’m beyond excited for what lies ahead. We’ve grown up together, and now we get to grow old together. Our story is far from perfect, but it’s ours, and it’s beautiful—just like the journey we’ve shared.