It all started in tenth grade. Well, technically we shared a class in ninth grade, but never spoke to one another until then. During spring break in 2018, our class took an eleven day school trip to Europe. We were initially in different groups, but after bickering groupmates, mattress bullriding, and Italian scammers, we somehow formed a friendship along the way. However, in true vacation friend fashion, once we got back to the States, we didn’t talk again until the start of our senior year. This is where our story truly begins. We started sitting together at lunch as part of a mutual friend group. Lunchtime hangouts turned into after school outings, and eventually turned into dates, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Homecoming, football games, and Halloween. These were the first times we spent one-on-one time together and realized just how much we enjoy each other’s company. Nyah made the first move; Jon planned the first date. What started out as a simple coffee shop date at Amelia Island Coffee became a shopping trip at The Book Loft, dinner at Wicked Bao, and dessert at Fantastic Fudge. Afterwards, both of us knew that this was the start of something beautiful. Since then, we have travelled the world together, got our first apartment, survived college life as a couple, and rescued an amazing orange cat, all while supporting each other every step of the way.

Jon: I had decided I was going to wait for the perfect opportunity on our Washington trip to pop the question. As we started our Mount Rainier hike, I was so nervous. How would I know? She deserves perfect, nothing less! What would perfect even look like? I had carried the ring in my pocket for the entire trip up to this point waiting for that moment, but nothing worthy of her had shown through. As we kept on the trail, the picture slowly revealed itself. The sky was a vibrant blue, not a cloud in sight. The sun was beaming, illuminating everything in a rich summer glow. We reached an outcropping with a beautiful panorama as far as the eye could see, with Mount Rainier perfectly situated behind us. I thought this was it, but unfortunately there were too many people stopped here for the intimate moment I wanted or even to set up the camera. Disappointed, I noticed a slightly higher point on the trail with the same views, but not crowded like the other spot. I led Nyah to pose up there as if I was taking a photo of us with the amazing views in the background, but I was actually recording the moment on video. As if to confirm my decision, a random professional photographer happened to be right next to us when I popped the question and he captured the entire proposal, giving us both a video and photos of the moment. Nyah: All that thoughtfulness and planning and I had no idea!