Our story is nothing short of special — one that truly feels like it was handwritten by God from the very beginning. In February of 2022, Joseph was a senior playing baseball at Kennesaw State, and I was a sophomore running track at KSU. We lived right next to each other in the athlete dorms but somehow had never met. That is, until one late night in study hall. We were both there probably cramming for an exam or finishing last-minute projects when we ended up being the last two to leave and that was when our paths had crossed. Just a few (long) days later, Joseph approached me for my number and to hang out. As we got to know each other, he asked where I called home aside from school and when I told him Jasper he was completely taken back as that is where he had grown up and spent his whole life, I now understand his confusion as it is such a small town where everyone knows everyone and he had never run into me. Despite our busy schedules of both being in season we found time for each other, wether that was phone calls during long bus rides or grabbing dinner after practices. After a few months we both went home for summer break to Jasper, which made that summer feel extra sweet. Joseph got to show me all the hidden gems around Jasper and helped me fall even more in love with my new home. By August, without hesitation, we both knew we wanted to be together. We started dating and quickly became inseparable. We got to travel home from school together, become apart of each others families and meet one another's friends. From the start, it was so clear we were meant to spend the rest of our lives together. We share the same beliefs, morals, hobbies (including our competitiveness!), and neither of us could imagine life without the other. After moving back home and starting life beyond college athletics, we were both searching for what God had in store for us next. But even in all the unknowns, one thing remained consistent and that was that we wanted our forever to be together. Little did I know, though, the biggest change was yet to come. I was so excited about our annual summer cruise, not knowing that Joseph and our families were secretly planning something huge, a proposal in Puerto Rico. While they were keeping their secret, I was busy keeping mine: a surprise fishing trip I had planned for Joseph while we were in the Dominican Republic. The day before we stopped in Puerto Rico, Joseph’s mom told us she had booked a family “excursion”, some beach photos while we were there. I thought it was a last-minute plan and had no idea everyone else was already in on it. Because of the last minute change and Joseph pretending to complain about having to take pictures instead of doing something fun in a new country, I didn’t suspect a thing. When we arrived at the beautiful beach and started taking photos, I turned around and saw Joseph down on one knee, asking me to spend the rest of our lives together. Honestly, we both can't even remember what was said — we were both just so overwhelmed and happy and I got to say yes to forever. Afterward, Joseph could finally breathe again and enjoy the rest of the trip without nerves, and we were both on cloud nine. Coming home from that trip, we couldn’t have dreamed up a more special moment or story — and we have a feeling it’s only going to get even better from here. We are so grateful for every single one of you who has helped raise us, support us, and love us throughout our lives. You’ve shaped us into who we are today, and we couldn’t imagine starting this next chapter without you. We can’t wait to celebrate our love surrounded by all of our favorite people in one place on our very special day.