“I sat behind you in Mrs. Bria’s AP Government class. We’d had classes together in Sophomore and Junior year, but really only started talking to each other as Seniors after working at Bonefish. I’d ask you, almost every other day what homework we had assigned just so I’d have an excuse to talk with you. You’d laugh from your seat as you saw me through the classroom window, running into the school as I ran late almost every day... I’d draw pictures of monsters and ask what you’d think so you’d turn around and chat with me. I’m surprised you were willing to put up with my antics for so long, but looking back I wouldn’t change a thing about how our relationship started.” - Sawyer “I remember having English class with you our sophomore year of high school, I wanted to get to know you but I wasn’t sure how to begin. At one point a ladybug flew into the classroom and was crawling on a light fixture. You stood on top of a desk just to rescue the bug, and I thought that was the funniest thing. Throughout school we ended up in the same classes and we even started working at Bonefish Grill together. You’d always ask if we had homework and we’d text back and forth until 4 am about “random facts” all so I could keep talking to you.” - Kirsten

“Once I graduate, have a stable job, and can afford a ring.” I told her, “Then I’ll ask.” “I’d accept a ring pop at this point.” She replied. Even though we’d had that discussion, I still wanted the proposal to be a happy surprise for her. A modified version of a ring passed down from my Nudgie sat in my back pocket. “Do you want to go down for a walk on the beach?” I asked. “Not really.” She replied. I urged her, spewing nonsense about the sunset and hoped she’d come down with me. She relented and we walked hand in hand down to the beachfront. We trudged up the beach a ways before plopping down at a spot close to the water. I looked to my right and saw a fresh pile of dog poop next to us... We moved a little further down the beach. It was quiet, and the sun was about to set. She didn’t want to be there. She’d rather have been napping after being out under the sun all day. I spoke utter nonsense about the waves. Trying to get her attention. After a short time, I realized she wasn’t having any of it and wanted to head back. We trudged back up the beach and I slowed my pace and bent down to get on one knee, but she kept walking. My shins were sunburnt, and I played it off as if I was in pain. She called me a “big baby” and continued towards the beach exit. I caught up and slowed again, repeating the process a second time. She was annoyed. She turned to head home again. I called out her name and got down on my knee for the third time, and asked “Kirsten, will you marry me.” She started to tear up, and gave me the ever re-assuring word “Really?” She quickly followed with “Yes!” We heard cheers coming from one of the beachfront home’s decks. My brothers and their girlfriends had asked someone if they could use their deck to watch me propose, and for some pitiable reason the people in the house allowed them. We embraced on the sand, under the setting sun, with friends and family present, to start the rest of our lives together.