Haleigh and Jalen’s story began at McNeese State University, where they didn’t know each other right away. Jalen was studying engineering, while Haleigh was focused on education. Despite their different fields of study, they quickly found common ground in their conversations, and what started as casual chats grew into something more meaningful. Jalen thought Haleigh was a beautiful girl, and Haleigh couldn’t help but notice how handsome and easygoing Jalen was. He had a way of making her laugh effortlessly, and it didn’t take long for her to realize she had never met anyone quite like him. Jalen, on the other hand, quickly saw that Haleigh was kind, genuine, and perfect in every way. There was just something about her that stood out to him. They would often run into each other on campus at different events. Sometimes it was just a quick exchange of smiles, other times a conversation that left them both laughing. Every encounter felt like a small spark, and the more they talked, the more they realized how much they enjoyed each other’s company. What started as a few casual chats grew into something special, and from those early moments at McNeese, they both knew it was only the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

On September 29th, 2024, Jalen had everything perfectly planned, but Haleigh had no idea what was in store. The day began like any other, with Jalen telling Haleigh they were going to do a photoshoot. It sounded fun and casual—a chance to capture some special memories—but little did she know, it was going to be a day she’d never forget. As they arrived at the location, Haleigh was still thinking it was just a photoshoot. But when they walked into the building, she was met with an overwhelming sight—family and friends standing there, smiling, excited, and waiting for her. The room was filled with love and warmth, each person eager to see Haleigh’s reaction as the surprise unfolded. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she realized that this wasn’t just a photoshoot—it was the moment she had been dreaming of, a proposal surrounded by the people she loved most. Jalen, with a heart full of emotion, took her hands, looked into her eyes, and dropped to one knee. Haleigh’s heart raced as the reality of what was happening sunk in. She hadn’t expected this, but it was everything she had hoped for. Surrounded by the people she adored, with the love of her life kneeling before her, Jalen asked, “Will you marry me?” With a smile that said it all, Haleigh said "Yes!" The room erupted in cheers and applause, and in that moment, everything felt perfect—romantic, heartfelt, and surrounded by all the right people. It was a proposal that took her completely by surprise and was more beautiful than anything she could have imagined.