When I was a senior in high school, our concert chorus attended a state competition with other schools in Middle Tennessee. While waiting in the lobby for our cue to go on stage, I bumped into a choir kid from Mt Juliet High School named Dalton Gibson. Before I was pulled in the opposite direction, we exchanged numbers even though it was highly unlikely that I would see this boy ever again. We stayed in touch for a while, but because I was going to college in Arkansas, it did not seem possible that this relationship would work out. Every once in a while, we would comment on each other's posts or just text back and forth to check in, but from my perspective, it looked like we were just going to remain friends. Once I graduated and moved back home, I began studying to get my real estate license. I had posted something on my Snapchat story about taking the test, and Dalton messaged me to tell me that he was studying for the test as well and we should study together. We never ended up setting a "study date," but it did spark the question in my mind of, "what if..." When I started another job as a Staffing Consultant, a job popped up that seemed like it would be something Dalton could be interested in. I called Dalton, and what was meant to be a 10 minute conversation about the role, turned into an hour of catching up and getting to know each other again. In February 2022, we had our first date at Cinco De Mayo in Hermitage, which now we call, "Our Cinco." We went on a couple of dates, and he officially asked me to be in girlfriend in March 2022. Ever since, Dalton has become the first person I call when I need anything, the last person I talk to at night, my biggest supporter, and my best friend. I'll see you at the altar, Mr. Gibson!

I'd like to start off and say it's choir and not chorus. Anyway starting off this story, I remember coming off stage and was talking to fellow section members when I first saw my now fiancée. I thought she was absolutely stunning. Knowing myself now versus myself six years ago, I am so glad I was able to muster up the confidence to go and talk to her. We exchanged information that day and were able to stay in touch with each other throughout the remainder of Senior Year. Whenever I could, I would always try and initiate conversation and work my way to asking her out on a date. With college approaching, it wasn't in the cards to start dating. Fast forward to early 2021, I see that she is studying for her real estate test. At the time, I was surprised considering that this was the career path that I was actively pursuing. I try and initiate contact and coordinate a study session. My intention was to maintain a friendship and actually getting to see each other and catch up in person for the first time in 4 years. I wasn't expecting much due to both of us being in a relationship at the time. In February 2022, I was getting ready for bed and I hear from Jess for the first time in about 6 months. I hear that she had recently become single in no uncertain words. The friend part of me was very concerned with how she was feeling and doing. However, the part of me that wanted a relationship wanted to know why she was telling me everything so willingly. The best decision I have ever made was asking to take her out to dinner at Cinco de Mayo the night after that conversation with her. We met up for the first time in six years. Upon arrival, I was just as scared as I was when I proposed to her. She's just as beautiful as I remembered. We ate an amazing meal and laughed more than we had in a long time. I specifically remember calling my shot by saying that the next guy she dates is going to be the one she marries. If I would have known that this is where we would be currently, I would have done everything over exactly the same. I know this may be a little more lengthy than Jessica's side of the story, but I know a couple of things. I get to live the rest of my life with my best friend. I have a beautiful, God-fearing, strong, and independent woman by my side. She is my other half and I don't know what my life would be like without her. I can't wait to see you at the altar, Mrs. Gibson!