The first chapter of our love story was written in the most unexpected way, a twist of fate that carried us to this very moment of Chapter 2, the "I Do's." It all began during the peak of a global lockdown, when the world slowed down, yet the universe had something different in mind for us. In those uncertain early days of COVID-19, when everything seemed out of control, there was one thing that was planned to go right, us. It all started when a friend of mine sold a pair of low-top Jordan Chicago 1 to a city girl from Cleveland Ohio, a moment that seemed so casual at the time but was really the spark that ignited a love story words can barely describe. That same night, in what could only be described as the most bizarre bit of luck, I was on my way to a bar. My mind was preoccupied with the usual noise and chatter of a night out. Just before I walked in, my friend jokingly told me with complete confidence, "By the end of tonight, you're going to have a girlfriend." It sounded like a funny joke at the time, a bit of a challenge I didn’t take too seriously. Yet as the night ended, I walked out with nothing but just a Facebook profile of the most beautiful stranger I had never met, a stranger that took my breath away the second I saw her picture. She had the biggest brown eyes and the perfect smile, her name was Layla. For a moment, I hesitated to add her as a friend, overthinking all the endless possibilities but then I was on a mission to manifest. Being the hopeless romance that I am, I pictured my life with someone I hadn't even met, it was just me and my imagination. A hopeless romantic fantasy. In that instant, I took a gamble with my luck and clicked away. One click. And, just like that, I was seemingly a part of her world. A stranger to her, but somehow, already a part of something bigger. As she took a chance on me, our friendship blossomed naturally and soon we were setting sail for our first date at the Old Sacramento waterfront. Our first date was like a fat kid in the candy store. It was that sweet uncontrollable excitement, like discovering an addiction you never knew you craved for, but suddenly needed. Without wasting a second, with my usual charm and a few corny pick-up lines I sealed the deal. The more we got to know each other, the deeper we fell and from that moment on the rest was history. Little did we both know that this small gesture was the beginning of something so captivating. From that single click on a Facebook profile to this very moment, our love story unfolded like the most beautiful, unexpected fairytale. A stranger became my everything, my home, and my forever. As I stand here now, ready to say “I do,” I realize it was never a random click. It was love that brought us together, a young love that we worked hard on to preserve. A LETTER TO MY WIFE My dearest Layla, You came into my life at a time when I had no structure, and together, we’ve built something so beautiful. I will forever be grateful for that. Every time I think about the future we’re creating, my heart just overflows with joy and excitement. I still can't believe how lucky I am to have you beside me, to have you as my soulmate, and soon, my wife. The love we share has already turned every moment into something absolutely priceless. You inspire me to be a better person every single day, and I feel incredibly blessed to walk this path of life with you. Your love gives me strength, your laughter brings joy into my world, and your kindness reminds me of all the beautiful things in life. I can’t wait for the journey that awaits us, the good and the bad and with you by my side I’m ready for Chapter 3, to grow old and cherish every moment and watch you become the most incredible mother to our future children we'll one day share. Thank you for this irreplaceable moment, where I have the honor of watching you walk down the aisle. I choose you, in every lifetime and in every version of forever. Yours Truly, Josie <3