It all began in August 2016, the last week of summer, before school started for the year. Football season was right around the corner, and cheer practice was in full swing. During our cheer practice, Marisa (groom’s sister) came up to me and asked me if she could give her brother (Josh) my number. I said yes, but didn’t think anything of it, because he was a “cool sophomore,” and I was only a freshman in high school. I thought there was no way that he’d text me. The next day, I get a text from Josh. I had to act like I was cooler than a sophomore, so I decided to wait a few days to text him back. Well, I must have waited too long, since 3 days later (yes, Josh kept count), I was volunteering at the Labor Day fundraiser that the cheerleaders worked at every year. Josh texted me again! I was so mad at myself for waiting so long to text him back. Now I definitely didn’t look cool. I immediately texted him back, and from that point on we were talking constantly. The first thing he asked me, was if I was an Ohio State fan. Not surprising at all coming from Josh! At this point, we realized we had choir class together. I would always catch him looking at me and smiling. He suggested that we could walk to our next class and the bus stop together (the fact that we have been together since the time of riding the bus is crazy to me). Everyone would always tease me that I was walking Josh to the bus, but his bus was farther away, which meant it gave us more time to walk and talk together. After talking for a few months, on Friday October 21st, 2016, Josh asked me to be his girlfriend. He was so sweet and nervous to ask me. I said yes, and I couldn’t think of anything more perfect than to be his girlfriend. The next weekend, Josh invited me over for dinner, the OSU football game, and to watch the original “Halloween” movie. As crazy as it sounds, I knew from our very first date that we had something special. Ever since, he has been the kindest gentleman, the funniest person I know, and the sweetest heart I have ever loved. Josh and I have had the privilege of growing up together, and we are so thankful we’ve enjoyed so many incredible moments together, big and small! From getting our driver’s license, to graduating high school and college, to saying yes to forever, Josh and I have gotten to grow and experience life together from age 14 & 15, to now 23 & 24! Ever since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of marrying a man as amazing as Joshua. From having a strong identity in Christ, to loving me unconditionally, Josh is the man I have always prayed for, and so much more! It’s hard to believe it has been almost 9 years that we have been together, and now I get to marry my high school sweetheart!! Loving Josh has been a dream these past 9 years, and I can’t wait for a lifetime of marriage to my best friend!!