I first met Kyle during my sophomore year of high school, back in 2012. We were both in the marching band - he played the drums, I played the clarinet - and were on our way to a football game to perform. Coincidentally, I sat near him on the bus, and there was an instant connection (at least on my end). He was the funny, cute senior, so naturally I was instantly hooked. That year, he went off to college at the University of Florida, and I had to put my crush aside. Throughout the remainder of high school, I always kept Kyle in the back of my mind. I knew he was special - in fact, I always joked with my friends that he would be my "UF boyfriend" when I went to college because I knew he was perfect for me. Little did I know that God would be leaving bread crumbs, leading us together. Over the years, we coincidentally ran into each other at church, when I went to tour UF, and at local restaurants. Fast forward to February 13th, 2015: the day I got into UF. One of my biggest dreams had just come true, and I was on top of the world. Knowing Kyle was at UF, I took a shot in the dark and messaged him on Facebook asking for "UF advice", and the rest is history!

Although Sarah and I both attended Satellite High School, and lived 5 minutes away from each other, we never met in high school. The first time I saw Sarah was in high school band, I immediately noticed the sparkle in her eyes. However, as I was leaving for college the following year, having a girlfriend was the last thing on my mind. By fate, I officially met Sarah during my UF orientation while she was touring the college. Although we did not communicate for over a year after that, I still seemed to run into her whenever I came back home. Then on February 13th, 2015, the day UF admissions were released, I noticed that Sarah had posted on social media proclaiming her excitement at being a future Gator. I was also excited at the prospect that Sarah would be joining me at UF. Then out of the blue I received a Facebook message from Sarah asking for advice. I offered advice and gave her my number (secretly hoping we would keep in contact in the future). During the next few months we sent each other frequent texts. The entire time, I always knew there was something special about her. Then over summer, by chance, both of our families attended our mutual friend’s birthday party. This was the first time Sarah and I had met face to face since my UF orientation. Conversation was easy and effortless. I asked her out on a date soon after. We went to my favorite Mexican restaurant in Satellite (there are only two so that’s not saying much), then the classic beach date spot, and finally a walk around the lake at the park. The entire date was magical. We went on several more dates after that, and on our fourth date, I referred to her as my girlfriend (I probably should have asked, but the feelings seemed so strong between us that I just assumed). Nevertheless, she gladly accepted, and we began our relationship. The next 4 years was the most amazing time of my life. I am overjoyed to be marrying my best friend and soul mate, and I thank God everyday for bringing her into my life.

This past June, Kyle joined my family and I on our summer vacation to Utah. We had a week of hiking and sightseeing the nearby national parks planned. On the third day of our vacation, we took a day trip to Bryce Canyon National Park to go horseback riding. We spent a good part of the day riding through the canyons and taking in all of the sights. After returning to the nearby lodge, my Dad and brother Ben noticed a photograph of a viewpoint on the wall, and decided we had to hike to it. Once we made it to the start of the hike, it began sleeting . Much to my dismay we pushed forward. Needless to say, I was miserable and tied my jacket on my head to keep my hair from getting wet. Meanwhile, Kyle had told my Dad and Ben that we when he was going to propose, he would be using the code word "tiptoe" (a reference to Seinfeld). When we finally made it to the destination, the weather had cleared up, giving us all an opportunity to rest and enjoy the view. We noticed a chipmunk in the rocks, and watched it scurry out of site into a bush. Kyle proclaimed that he could still see the chipmunk on his "tiptoes". My Dad and Ben immediately noticed the code word, and began subtly filming. My mom, however, wanted to see the chipmunk, and kept looking until my Dad pulled her aside. Kyle then looked at me and suggested we take a selfie. As soon as he suggested that, I knew something was happening, since Kyle HATES taking pictures. He popped the question, and I said YES!