We’ve known each other for what feels like forever. Growing up in the same town, attending the same elementary, middle, and high schools—our paths were always close, but we didn’t truly connect until the 2017 school year. Kade was a junior, and I was a sophomore. That year, we had a class together, and something just clicked. Just a few weeks before Homecoming, Kade asked me to be his girlfriend—and from that night on, September 30, 2017, we’ve been inseparable. We’ve officially been high school sweethearts for almost eight amazing years! Growing up with the love of your life is something truly special. From those early high school days to graduating a year apart, to building our careers side-by-side—we’ve shared every chapter of life together. Not everyone gets to say they made it through a global pandemic with their high school sweetheart, but we did—and it only brought us closer. In the summer of 2020, we made one of the best decisions ever: we got our sweet Georgi Mae. She’s not just our dog—she’s our best friend. The bond we share with her is so special, and she’s brought us even closer together. In the spring of 2023, we decided it was time for the next big step: buying our first home. After four months of searching, we finally found the perfect place—for us and for Georgi Mae! It’s been such a joy to create new traditions and turn our house into a home. Then came March 27th—a day we’ll never forget. While on a trip to Nashville with friends, Kade planned a special day just for the two of us. We had lunch, went shopping, and then he brought me to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. That’s where he got down on one knee and asked me the most important question of our lives. Of course, I said yes 💍 Shortly after we got back home, we dove right into wedding planning. One of the first venues we visited happened to be next to an Australian Shepherd breeder. While we didn’t end up choosing that venue, we did come home with something even more perfect—a four-month-old puppy we named Nash. Watching Georgi and Nash grow up together has been the sweetest gift and just one more reminder of the beautiful life we’re building. We are so incredibly excited to begin this next chapter as husband and wife. Thank you for loving us, supporting us, and being part of our journey. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Cheers to forever! With love, Mary-Shai & Kade