We met in August of 2021, right before life decided to change everything. My family had just moved to Bowling Green in July, and I was preparing to leave for college. I was completely unaware that the man I would one day marry lived right down the street (thanks, mom, for forcing me to move out of our hometown!). Before we were ever formally introduced, Cody had already become a familiar part of my everyday life. He ran around my block often, usually setting my dog off barking, and even decided he would power wash my neighbors house. Looking back, it’s pretty clear that he was doing everything he could to get close to me, something we both laugh about now. As summer came to an end, I was preparing to leave for college. I was actually supposed to move in two weeks earlier than I did, but I didn’t. I chose to stay a little longer because I wanted more time with Cody. Something about him already felt different, and leaving didn’t feel quite right. And here’s my official apology to all my family members that thought I would never actually make it college because I was in love! I did it! On August 12, 2021, just before I finally moved two hours away, Cody asked me to be his girlfriend while eating every black olive Olive Garden had to offer. From the very beginning, Cody was intentional with his feelings and never shy about his future plans. From the moment we sat down in that Olive Garden booth, he told me he was going to marry me. Distance became part of our story early on, but it never defined us. I spent nearly all of my weekends driving home from college just to be with him. Later, when it was Cody’s turn to leave for college, we flipped roles. We spent weekends together in his dorm room or we’d meet halfway back home. Wherever we could find time, we made it work. Hours between us meant nothing when our love meant everything. When we weren’t driving back and forth or studying (or playing baseball, in Cody’s case), we were traveling every chance we got. From the Colorado mountains to snow-covered Minnesota to the Bahama beaches, we made memories wherever we landed. We learned early on that we loved exploring new places together just as much as we loved coming home to each other. Through busy schedules, long drives, late-night phone calls, and major life changes, we continued to choose each other. Our relationship was built on trust, patience, sacrifice, and support. We grew not only as individuals, but as partners, learning what it truly means to love someone selflessly and wholeheartedly. Over the years, Cody has been my constant. My safe place. My biggest supporter. My best friend. We’ve celebrated milestones, faced challenges, and grown strong through every season. From my dog barking at a runner around the block, to countless weekend drives and dorm-room dates, our story has always been about showing up for one another. Now, we are excited to begin this next chapter together. Hand in hand, heart to heart, and forever grateful for the journey that brought us here. We cannot wait to celebrate our forever with all of the people who mean the most to us.