Thank you for being here!

Some love stories begin with candlelight and violins. Ours began at Glory Days… even though she specifically said she didn’t want to meet at a restaurant for the first time. Bold strategy. I went for it anyway. The moment I saw her face to face for the first time, I knew something was different. I was completely, undeniably awestruck. The kind of awestruck where you try to play it cool, but internally you’re thinking, Well… this is it. This is different in the best way. This is the woman I want to be with. That night, I didn’t sleep. Not because the food was heavy — but because I couldn’t stop thinking about how incredible she is. I knew from that very first moment that I didn’t want to leave her side. From then on, we talked every single day and saw each other every chance we got. And when I finally worked up the courage to officially ask her to be my girlfriend, I don’t think I'd ever felt more nervous — or more elated — than when she said “yes.” We’ve been inseparable ever since. Of course, before things could get too serious, I had to pass the most important test: MacGyver. If her dog didn’t like me, apparently we didn’t stand a chance. That’s why I was invited over after the third date — a very official evaluation process. Thankfully, MacGyver approved. I’ve been grateful ever since. Over the last few years, we’ve been through more together than some people experience in a lifetime. We’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, and quite literally crossed oceans side by side. We’ve chased adventure, collected stories, and refused to let “being adults” get in the way of what makes us happy. And then came one of the most magical nights of our lives. Under the wonderous glow and flashing lights at Walt Disney World, during the Happily Ever After fireworks show, I asked her to spend forever with me. As the sky lit up in color and the music swelled around us, I don’t think the moment could have been more perfect. I also don’t think I have ever been more nervous in my entire life. My heart was pounding louder than the fireworks. I was trying to remember everything I had planned to say — while also hoping she couldn’t tell that I was internally panicking. But the second I looked at her, standing there with the lights reflecting in her eyes, I knew there was nowhere else in the world I’d rather be. And when she said yes, somehow the fireworks felt like they were just for us. We accept each other exactly as we are. We both know we’re not perfect — but somehow, we’re perfect for each other. I could go on forever about the trips, the laughter, the hard days, the milestones, and the quiet moments that mean the most. But more than anything, I wouldn’t trade what we have for the world. Especially our family. Bringing our son into this world is, without question, the greatest thing that has ever happened to either of us. He is the best part of our story — and the most beautiful chapter yet. This journey started at a restaurant she didn’t even want to go to… passed the ultimate dog test… crossed oceans… brought us to a magical night of fireworks in the sky, and magic of a beautiful baby boy. And we’re just getting started.