09.19.26

We had both just started our freshman year at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. Elijah, a dedicated engineering student, had sworn that he wasn't looking for anyone in college. While Hannah, entering into a rigorous nursing program, was just focused on making new friends and passing her classes. At fate would have it, they lived in the same dormitory, with Elijah being only one floor below Hannah. The day after moving into their dorm rooms, their paths crossed. One thing led to another, and their friend groups decided to get breakfast with one another the following morning. The two continued to hang out as friends, playing late-night ping pong, going to get food at the dining hall together, and just hanging out in the common areas with their friends. Until one night, Elijah asked Hannah on a date to Mellow Mushroom. Over pizza and a love-language quiz, he smoothly asked her to be his girlfriend...and she said yes. Since then, they have been inseparable, supporting each other through every exam and late-night study session, family deaths, and graduating college. They've done it all with each other by their side. On May 25th, after tricking Hannah into thinking he was going to propose during their entire Chicago trip, he popped the question at his aunt's house after dinner. His mother and sister were hiding in the house after secretly setting the scene for him while we were out. It was a special moment that will forever be cherished. But what's next...