Hunter and Rileigh first met in the Summer of 2019, just before their junior year of high school. Hunter’s sister had talked him into going out for a night of country dancing. While standing near the dance floor, Hunter noticed Rileigh. After a few false starts, he worked up the nerve and asked her to dance. Their first lunch date followed a few days later on July 27, 2019. It began with a Cinemark movie and ended at Mighty Fine Burgers, where Rileigh ordered a burger salad bowl— a choice Hunter couldn’t help but question. The evening was full of awkward laughs and shy conversation, but it held the promise of a second date. After two years of dating, Hunter and Rileigh officially earned the title of high school sweethearts when they graduated from Liberty Hill and Lago Vista High School. Staying true to form, they continued their trend of “going to different schools” by choosing colleges eight hours apart. Hunter pursued his degree at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, while Rileigh attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock. While the distance wasn’t easy, it taught them patience, trust, and what it truly meant to choose each other, even when the road was long. Hunter later transferred to Texas Tech to continue his degree and be closer to Rileigh, the woman he knew he wanted to spend his life with. Their time at Tech brought them closer as they supported each other through late nights of studying, new experiences, and the challenges of college life. Their journey reached a meaningful milestone when they walked across the same stage and graduated together on May 16, 2025— celebrating their accomplishments while sharing the pride of reaching that moment together. Today, Hunter works as a Product Support Representative at ROMCO Equipment Co. in Lubbock, building his career while looking ahead to the life and family he and Rileigh will share. Before taking the next step, he asked Rileigh’s parents for their blessing, honoring the love and guidance that shaped her life. Meanwhile, Rileigh is pursuing her master’s degree in the Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy program at Texas Tech University, following her passion for supporting families—and carrying a slight inkling that something special was coming. After focusing on their careers and studies, their next unforgettable chapter began with a Christmas trip to Houston, though Rileigh had no idea what Hunter had planned. During the drive, disaster nearly struck when Hunter came down with the flu. Determined not to let anything get in the way, he somehow made a miracle recovery. With help from his mom and sister, keeping Rileigh busy with Christmas shopping and a nail appointment, Hunter had time to scout the perfect spot along The Waterway at The Woodlands. On December 21, 2025, Hunter executed the perfect proposal. With only a hint of intuition, Rileigh was persuaded to put on a new dress and heels under the impression they were heading to Mr. Parish’s Christmas work party. Before leaving, Hunter mentioned that his sister wanted to take photos first. He led an anxious Rileigh to a Christmas-lit arch along the waterway, complete with a linen runner, flowers, and candles. He dropped to one knee, nervously flipping open the ring box, and asked her to marry him. Without hesitation, she said yes. Just around the corner, Hunter had arranged for Rileigh’s parents and brother to be part of the moment. Having them there meant the world to Rileigh and made the proposal even more meaningful. Nearby, friends and family gathered at a restaurant, eagerly waiting to celebrate and share in the awe of the day. On March 13th, 2027, Hunter and Rileigh will say “I do,” surrounded by the family and friends who have supported them through every chapter of their lives. They cannot wait to celebrate this moment and the beginning of their forever with the people who mean the most to them.