We have a little bit of an interesting story. We’ve actually known of each other for most of our lives! I first met Jake when I was 6 and he was 8. Our worlds were already connected because his best friend is my childhood best friend’s older brother. Growing up, I spent a lot of time at my childhood friend’s house, and Jake was usually always over. One memory that sticks out is the day him and her brother shot paintball guns at us on the jungle gym— definitely unforgettable. After elementary school, sports became big for both of us and life got busy. I moved to Austin in 2012, and Jake stayed in our hometown. Years later, I returned to graduate with my friends in 2016-2017. We’d see each other at parties, but nothing clicked…until I “shoot my shot” as they said back then. He laughed but respected my boldness, and that was the start of something special. We bonded over music, would text all night about everything under the sun, and in late 2019, I invited him to Austin. From that moment, we were inseparable. A few months later, when I was in College station visiting Jake, he surprised me with a giant bear and roses—and of course asked me to be his girlfriend! Since neither of us really celebrated Valentine’s Day, we made our own “official” day the day before. From there, our adventures grew—like the 14-hour road trip to Colorado that showed just how much we loved each other. Through the years, we shared many moves—from Austin, to living with his parents, to our own apartments—and each step brought us closer. In mid-2023, Jake’s dad gathered the family to have us vote on buying some land for the family to live off. By mid-2024, we found the perfect property—a dream for generations. Through designing a home together, and much more, we knew we wouldn’t want to live this life with anyone else. By the year 2025, we had been together over five years. Marriage had always been part of our conversations, but that year felt different. Everything fell into place, and we knew we wanted forever. During a visit to our property, Jake surprised me with lights, rose petals shaped in a heart in our home. He got down on one knee, asked me to marry him, and I said yes without hesitation—it was the easiest yes ever, and the best day of our lives. The ring? Absolutely perfect! From that day, we knew we wanted to get married sooner rather than later. We talked about the big day, both knowing it had to be soon, and began looking for venues. We found the perfect one that represents us as a couple. We are so grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey and shown us love and support through the years. We truly love you all with all of our hearts and cannot wait to celebrate with you!