Our story started at work, when I casually asked him if he wanted to grab coffee. From that simple moment, we became best friends. We had each other’s backs through everything—whether it was long days or those times we just needed someone to listen. From our walks on the beach, to Sunday football games cheering on our Dirty Birds, to all the adventures we’ve shared, we began to realize there was something more between us, something neither of us could ignore. What started as friendship grew into something deeper, something real. We couldn’t let each other go, and that’s when best friends became something more. Now, we’re not just partners in life, but in everything that matters, as we move forward, becoming one.

On December 14, 2024, we were surrounded by the warmth of love and the magic of the season. It was a crisp winter day in downtown Jacksonville, NC, and we were taking family pictures by the sparkling Christmas tree. As we paused for a photo, Bryan turned and looked into my eyes, and suddenly, he dropped to one knee. In that perfect moment, he told me how deeply he loved me and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. With a beautiful padparadscha sapphire ring in his hand, I said yes without a second thought, overwhelmed with joy and love. We sealed our promise with a kiss, and in that embrace, I knew we were starting the most beautiful chapter of our lives. Our hearts were full, and blessed that God bought us together. And while Catalina took the role of a starfish on the floor, lol, it was a moment we’ll never forget! We couldn’t wait to share this moment—and the journey ahead—with all of you.