Their story began at the University of Central Oklahoma. Both Kathryn and James came to UCO from small town schools, excited and maybe a little nervous to start something new. They did not know it then, but UCO was about to give them more than just a degree. It gave them each other. James had a crush on Kathryn since freshman year, but they did not actually get together until junior year. What started as a simple connection eventually turned into something neither of them expected, but both of them had been hoping for. Their first date was sweet and simple at Andy’s ice cream. They talked, laughed, and felt that easy comfort that is rare to find so early on. But the moment they really knew this was different came just the next day, when Kathryn accidentally left her purse in James’s car and realized it after he was already an hour and a half away headed to see family. Without hesitation, James turned around and drove all the way back to bring it to her. That kind of care and effort set the tone for everything that followed. As their relationship grew, so did their time at UCO, and they truly became best friends along the way. They did not just share classes, they shared a leadership journey too. Through campus clubs and involvement, they learned how to show up, serve others, and grow into the people they wanted to become. Cheering each other on through meetings, events, and big responsibilities became a normal part of their story, and those experiences shaped them both as individuals and as a team. Their journey together has been full of moments they will never forget. They won UCO Homecoming Royalty side by side, traveled to London for a study tour, and now they are pursuing their MBAs together. Each milestone has made them stronger and reminded them how lucky they are to do life together. The proposal was perfectly them. After a walk on campus reminiscing about memories they had made there, James asked Kathryn to marry him on UCO’s campus. It was simple, meaningful, and felt like coming full circle. Today, they are still doing what they love most. They try new restaurants, help each other with homework and studying, see new places, crack goofy jokes, and sing in the car together on drives. Every day is more fun, more meaningful, and more full of love because they get to experience it together. They cannot wait to celebrate this next chapter with you.