A little over 10 years ago I went to a hibachi dinner with this curly haired guy I had known since 4th grade. Mario and I never spoke a word to each other until high school. In 10th grade we started talking in media class about our mutual love for the Aladdin soundtrack. He ended up asking me to junior prom (where he very sweetly attempted to dance with me while I tripped all over myself). By some MIRACLE he asked me out on a date a few weeks later. He took me to my favorite hibachi restaurant, and much to my surprise he was witty and charming and so funny. He gave me a little gold heart necklace and we were officially "dating". Through the first few years of college we both had no idea what our careers would look like, but we had each other. We could always make each other laugh no matter the situation. Even the most mundane, ordinary moments turned into hilarious adventures. When my third year of college year came, I felt God call me to move out of state and finish my degree at the University of Mississippi. At this point, we could not imagine our lives without each other so we decided to try long distance and see what would happen. We were both terrified. It was not easy, and we got really frustrated, but our connection grew so much stronger than we ever could have imagined. Even over 13 hours away he was always there for me, to encourage me and cheer me on. We grew separately, but both really found who we wanted to be as individuals. We felt God truly solidify our relationship, and show us that it was the real deal. Through years of failures, mistakes and uncertainties, Christ's love kept two broken people together. He has shown us so much of His goodness and grace through loving each other. We are so thankful and excited to begin this new chapter, and ready to see what adventures are in store for us next!