We are finally getting married!

We met in 7th grade computer science class as two awkward 13-year-olds who had absolutely no idea that one simple seating arrangement would change the course of our lives forever. What started as small conversations during class quickly became the kind of friendship that felt effortless. Before long, we were inseparable. We spent every chance we could together between classes, stayed up texting for hours, and slowly became each other’s person without even realizing it. By 8th grade, our friendship had turned into something much deeper. When Shane asked me to the 8th grade formal, it felt so natural, like we had already known for a long time that we were meant to be more than friends. From such a young age, there was always something about us that felt different. But growing up together also meant growing through every stage of life together. High school brought love, laughter, heartbreak, lessons, and moments where we both needed space to figure out who we were becoming. There were times we held onto each other tightly, and there were times we had to let go. At the time, those moments felt painful and confusing, but looking back now, I truly believe every chapter of our story happened exactly the way it was supposed to. Every goodbye, every reunion, and every challenge shaped the love we have today. When senior year came and adulthood started pulling us in different directions, we made the heartbreaking decision to part ways. Even then, though, no matter how much time or distance existed between us, a part of my heart never stopped belonging to Shane. Deep down, I think we both knew our story wasn’t over. The people closest to us knew it too. It was never a question of if we would find our way back to each other, only when. And somehow, after everything, we did. After 13 years, countless memories, and every version of ourselves we have loved through the years, I can say with complete certainty that Shane is the love of my life. He is my best friend, my greatest comfort, my safe place, and the person who has always felt like home to me no matter where life took us. Some love stories happen quickly. Ours took time. It took growing up, letting go, finding each other again, and choosing each other over and over. And honestly, I wouldn’t change a single part of it, because every step led us here, to this moment, and to forever together.