Jess and Riley’s story began when they were ten years old, introduced through mutual friends. Back then, they were just kids, but even then, something was quietly forming. Riley would then become Jess’s first kiss, a milestone she remembers clearly. Riley, on the other hand… well, he was already a seasoned professional in that department. (We’ll spare the details.) Life carried on, and they drifted in and out of each other’s orbit until fate (and a very persistent friend) stepped in. Riley was strongly advised (bullied) to reach out to Jess again. So he did. Or at least… he tried. Then, at a festival on New Year's Day, Jess scolded him for not replying to her latest message. Riley, knowing he was in trouble, promised to make it up to her with a wildly "romantic" date. That date turned out to be at the Shellharbour Pub. Not exactly Paris, but it worked. Not long after, COVID arrived. Nights out were replaced with home-cooked meals, games, and movie marathons on the couch. What could have pulled them apart instead brought them closer. In the quiet, ordinary moments, they built something extraordinary: a solid foundation of laughter, comfort, and unwavering support. Day by day, love grew. And on their 2,001st day of dating, Riley finally bent the knee. Jess was speechless when she came home from the movies to find a proposal waiting for her. It was beautifully set up with the help of her parents, who had been in on the secret. Soon after, they packed their bags and jet-setted across Europe for six unforgettable weeks, wrapped up in their own little bubble. From childhood friends to partners in life, Jess and Riley found their way back to each other and have chosen one another every day since.