We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Jake and I have known each other since our school systems merged (Manchester + Essex) for 6th grade. Our first mutual memory was gravitating toward each other's company in 7th grade at one of those pre-alcohol parties. We shared an instant love for a penguin Pillow Pet that we found, bonded over, and carried around all night. It was that weird tween flirting where you need something very concrete in common so that you have an excuse to keep talking. This was around that awkward middle school time where boys and girls started hanging out in big groups, so we frequently crossed paths but didn't know each other well. In 8th grade, Jake started dating my best friend, and I remember being unexpectedly jealous and thinking that maybe if I went to the mall with them that day he would have asked me out instead (I think I mostly just wanted a boyfriend to be honest). We spent even more time hanging out in groups during their relationship, and I always liked how genuinely himself Jake was - he never vied for others' attention in that obnoxious middle school boy way, he was just his authentically sweet and hilarious self. Sophomore year of high school, we had a gym/health class together, and a classmate started a Facebook group chat to ask for notes. The chat quickly turned into us and two other girls talking, so the four of us made a separate group chat as to not annoy everyone else. That was November 13, 2013, which was also the day that Jake and I realized that we're basically the same person and decided to get married (that's true, I have screenshots). We started talking 24/7 (ask our moms, the eyes and thumbs were absolutely glued to the phones), and on December 19th, Jake asked "hey, do you wanna be my girlfriend?" (after he had subtly confirmed a few days before that I would say yes if he "hypothetically" asked me). It's now been ten years of cracking each other up and somehow loving each other more every day. Sorry that this is a novel, I just love my best freaking friend! Love, Susie

My sister Melanie and I plotted my proposal to Susie together. The plan was to finally ask Susie to marry me at Melanie's wedding. When the day finally came, the ceremony was lovely, and the reception was a blast. Susie looked absolutely beautiful and we were having a great time together. I waited until a lull in the reception, which came after we finished dinner and before the dancing really started popping off. I knew if I didn't act fast, I could lose Susie to the dance floor for the rest of the night in the blink of an eye. I asked her if she wanted to take a little walk with me. There was a cute gazebo just far enough away from the reception where we stopped and took in the moment together. The week prior to the wedding had been pretty rough for me, so I took her hands and thanked Susie for her love and support. We hugged tightly, and I went on to say that I couldn't imagine my life without her. "So... I have a question to ask." I dropped to one knee and struggled to get the ring box out of my pocket. She couldn't believe it was happening, and said yes through tears of joy. I put the ring on her finger and we hugged tightly again for a long time. Then it was time to share the news with family over FaceTime and those at the wedding. After many loving congratulations, we enjoyed the rest of the wedding together as we excitedly chatted about our own. - Jake