It all began in a church lobby back in 2005. We were introduced to each other by our mutual best friend, and officiant for our wedding, Steele. We occasionally would spend time together in group settings due to sharing a mutual friend, and this continued through high school. Fast forward to college, where fate brought us closer together. We became closer friends and started visiting each other’s colleges with other mutual friends. After we graduated from college, our friendship slowly blossomed into something deeper. Even though I moved away to Georgia after graduation, Matt and I kept in touch with each other often. I would come home to go to Country Thunder with Matt every year, and we would go on vacation together in the winter when he was off work. Over the next couple of years after graduation, we started talking daily and flying to see each other more often. Late-night phone calls turned into laughter-filled outings, and before we knew it, we were each other's biggest supporters, cheering one another on through every challenge despite the distance. With each passing trip to visit each other, our feelings for each other grew. It wasn’t until a trip to Asheville at the beginning of 2019 that the first sparks of romance flew. A simple glance turned into a shared smile, and suddenly, the dynamic between us shifted. Shortly after that trip we started dating, and what had once been a friendship transformed into a beautiful romance filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories. After several incredible years together, Matt planned a proposal that would completely catch me by surprise. He got down on one knee at sunset on the top deck of the cruise ship, and with a heart full of love, he asked me to spend the rest of our lives together. With a resounding “of course,” our next chapter began. As we prepare to say, “I do,” Matt and I reflect on our incredible journey—from childhood friends to lifelong partners. We are excited to celebrate our love with our friends and family and can’t wait to start this new adventure together!