Although it’s pretty well known that Jess and I started dating in 8th grade, there are a few more parts of our middle school romance that brought us to where we are today. Let’s start with the first time we ever met. It was the first week of 6th grade, and we both had social studies with Mrs. McDermott. We probably didn’t speak two words to each other that day, but it’s my earliest memory of Jess, dressed like a northern cowgirl in her pink flannel, jeans, and two braids. Two years later, in eighth grade, I built up the courage to ask her to be my girlfriend. My “romantic” plan? Typing the question into a search engine during science class. Jess was so excited she fell out of her chair before she could even say yes. That was the exciting start of our relationship, twelve years ago. Our middle school and high school years were filled with homecomings and proms together, and we even became two-time winners of “Cutest Couple” (no big deal). The next four years were long distance, as Jess headed to North Carolina for college and I stayed in Massachusetts. After she graduated, Jess joined me at UMass to get her master’s degree while I finished up my undergrad, giving us one very fun year together to enjoy college life, porch beers, and UMass’s #1 dining. After another brief chapter of long distance, I moved to Round Rock to join Jess in Texas. Less than a year later, I had saved enough to buy a ring and propose. While Jess was on a family trip to Lake George, a trip I “couldn’t get work off” for, I secretly flew from Texas, drove up to the lake, and surprised the love of my life by standing on an island cliff as she arrived by boat. I can’t tell you exactly what I said, but I know it was the best moment of my life, getting down on one knee and asking Jess to marry me. Afterward, we had a sunset barbeque with our family on the island, the people who helped me create the most amazing proposal. And exactly one year later, we will return to Lake George to say “I do". Since then, Jess and I have embraced Texas cowboy culture- brisket, two-stepping, and cowboy boots. It really feels like a full-circle moment from the first time I saw that northern cowgirl in sixth grade. From pink flannel and science class proposals to cowboy boots, barbecue, and one unforgettable proposal at Lake George, it’s been quite the ride. We can’t wait to share this day with you. - Jeremy