Finally Making This Thing Official!

We first met in 8th grade at 13 years old. Our story began when Kyia, without even realizing it, broke the ice by asking Jake, "You're in honors class too?" From then on, we would take the long way to every class just to walk together, and we even planned routes between classes just to pass by each other.

Fast forward to the summer going into our freshman year of high school: our first date. It was at Angel's Stadium! But before we could even go on this date, we had to stop by Kyia’s house because of her mom’s rule—anyone Kyia goes on a date with has to meet her parents first. Kyia made sure to keep it brief though, just a quick "hi" and then we were off! We went on a double date with Kyia’s sister and her boyfriend, and it was such a fun night. When we got back, Jake kissed Kyia, making it a night we’ll always remember.

We have been doing long distance since Freshman year of college. Kyia went to Ole Miss and then returned home while Jake has been at Boise State. As some of you may know, Jake has had a recent diagnosis of Hodgkins Lymphoma. With that being said, Jake will be finishing his schooling at home. We are so excited to never have to do long distance but of course bummed of the circumstances.

Jake purposed to Kyia on July 31st at the Wedge in Newport Beach. Jake told Kyia that she needed to go to family dinner with his family at NOBU. The issue was, it was on a Wednesday and Kyia has running group on Wednesday nights, and fancy dinners are not her thing...at all. So she said, "I'm so sorry I can not make it" She was so determined to go to running group. Jake then had to scramble and contact the man who leads running group and have it fake cancelled. So since running group was cancelled, Kyia had no other choice then to go to dinner. After dinner, Kyia and Jake were going to meet his family at the beach for sunset...except no one showed up. Jake got down on a knee and the rest is history!!!