P.S. Love the Hoffmans

Phillip and Sierra had their first interactions at Rich South High School through shared class periods as they both were enrolled in Honor and AP courses. The classes from their freshman year was what allowed them to establish a friendship. Their bond only grew stronger as they became members of RSHS Marching Band and shared experiences through practices and performances. Sierra at that time was a dancer/majorette and Phillip was a saxophonist. The band director at the time demanded pristine execution at all times. That expectation led to Phillip and Sierra spending more time together. During that time they would often help each other with the current halftime routine, so that they brought the best energy when it came to their performance. This time also allowed the two to realize how similar their personalities were. Sierra was originally drawn to Phillip's leadership skills while watching him become a section leader and then a drum major. Phillip was captivated by Sierra's smile, selflessness, and the intelligence she displayed in the classroom. On September 27, 2011, Phillip finally mustard the courage to ask Sierra to be his girlfriend during a passing period, and Sierra nervously (yet excited) said yes. Their first date was at the movie theaters (sound familiar?) and Phillip was very much of a gentlemen with his affection and charisma. Phillip had officially swept Sierra off her feet, as she realized her decision to say "yes" had led her to find her lover and bestfriend.

In October of 2022, Phillip expressed to Sierra that they were scheduled to take “Christmas photos” as a family, in which they would coordinate their outfits together. Once the day of the photoshoot arrived, Phillip advised Sierra that the photographer had tested positive for "Covid" and needed to cancel the photoshoot. Sierra was overcome with disappointment and was adamant that their outfits, her hair and nails would go to waste. However, Phillip explained to Sierra that he made arrangements for a date night to compensate for the cancelled photoshoot. Their date night began when they arrived at the Imagine Theater (late of course) to view Killer Santa (so Sierra thought). Sierra started to grow suspicious once the movie was nearing its end, and no one was preparing to leave as the credits played. Sierra then leaned over and whispered to Phillip, "Why aren't we leaving?". Before Phillip could respond the theater speakers blared “Let’s Stay Together – Al Green” while childhood photos of Sierra occupied the screen. Sierra instantly realized that this movie date night was really a proposal movie and immediately began to cry. As the proposal video neared the end, Phillip took Sierra to the front of the theater, where Sierra recognized that all the "strangers" in the theater were actually family and friends. Phillip then got down on one knee and asked Sierra "Will you marry me?". Still in shock, awe and eyes full of tears, Sierra of course said YES to her FIRST LOVE... Issa Fiancé!