Our story started in the summer of 2000. I (Natalie) was almost 14 and Brandon was 15 years old. Throughout the summer, our families camped near each other at Fawn Forrest Campground, Lake James. We spent several summer nights running off into the woods together, listening to Bone Thugs-N-Harmony in the camper, sneaking Jell-O shots at parties, getting poison ivy and just having fun. When summer ended, we went to different High Schools. We talked on the phone a couple times but eventually lost touch. In 2005, we reconnected again when a couple of our friends were dating. The guys shared an apartment together and invited us girls over. They made us drinks and we hung out on the balcony. After that night, Brandon and I ended up losing touch again for about 12 years. During that time, I got married and had a little boy named Rowen. Brandon was always in the back of my mind as “the one that got away." When I became single and ready to date again in 2017, Brandon was on my radar. I would occasionally see what he was up to on Facebook. I wanted to reach out, but I wasn't sure if he had a girlfriend or if he would be interested. After encouragement from a friend, I realized I had nothing to lose. I nervously sent him a message. I was surprised when he responded back quickly. We chatted back and forth and planned on meeting up for dinner the following week. Our first official date was at The Deck in June 2017. I had that same giddy, butterflies in your stomach feeling, that I had when we were young teenagers at the campground many years ago. We became exclusive immediately. We started off the summer with weekends, where it all began, at Lake James. Our love for the lake is one of the things we enjoy most together. Over the past 6 years, we have created a beautiful life together. We are busy raising Rowen and we recently built our near dream home. In October 2021, Brandon asked me to be his wife in front of our closest family and friends. Our wedding is planned for September 9, 2023. It may have taken us 23 years, but what’s meant to be, will be!