We’re getting married!

Our story began long before we ever exchanged a single word. We first knew of each other in high school, he was the well known varsity football player, and I was the yearbook student who always seemed to know everyone from behind the camera. We even shared a class, though he had no idea who I was at the time. I always noticed him, but I never imagined he would ever notice me back. I told myself back then that someone like him and someone like me lived in completely different worlds. Fast forward two years to senior year. Life had moved on, but fate clearly wasn’t done with us. I worked late nights and would head to the gym around 11PM after my shifts. One night, he added me on Instagram. I still didn’t have the courage to talk to him, but I noticed him when I went to the gym. September 7th, 2022. Then one simple moment changed everything. I asked his brother if he was using a bench press, and he turned around, smiled, waved, and thought I was talking to him. He felt so awkward about it that he said he left the gym early and later that night, he texted me on Instagram apologizing for the mix-up. In that message, he offered to spot me anytime I needed a gym partner. That small, sweet gesture became the beginning of us. From that night on, we talked nonstop, saw each other at school, and two months later, he asked me to be his girlfriend. As our relationship grew, so did our connection. We met each other’s families, created routines together, and built a bond that felt effortless and strong. Then came one of the biggest challenges: he made the decision to join the Army. We spent six months doing long distance six months of late night calls, finding time in our busy schedules, learning patience, and learning to communicate more deeply than ever. It wasn’t easy, but it made our relationship stronger in every way. It taught us how much we meant to each other and brought our families even closer. After two years together, we celebrated our anniversary with a photoshoot in Laguna. I thought the day was just about celebrating us beautiful views, photos, and time together. Earlier that day he jokingly asked the photographer how he should kneel “if he were ever to propose,” not knowing he was practicing for the real moment. I had also told him once that my dream proposal would be near water, with flowers, and big “Will You Marry Me?” letters. That night, he told me he had one more surprise and guided me with a scarf gently tied over my eyes. When he untied it, I opened my eyes to see him on one knee, holding a diamond ring, surrounded by everything I had ever dreamed of. My heart stopped. I never expected it to happen that night, but somehow, he managed to make it even more perfect than I imagined because it came from him. From high school strangers to late night gym encounters, to long-distance resilience, to becoming fiancés every moment has led us to this one. And now, we can’t wait to begin our forever.