“We like to think our story was written long before we ever realized it. Aaron and I officially met on ‘social media’ in October of 2022, and from the very beginning, everything just clicked. Conversation came easy, laughter came often, and it felt like we had known each other much longer than we actually had. As we got to know each other, we realized we had crossed paths so many times before without even knowing it. We attended the same college at the same time, sat in some of the same classes, and even worked in the same warehouse. Somehow, life kept putting us in the same places until the timing was finally right. We like to call it our own version of the “invisible string.” One of the moments that truly changed everything happened on a beautiful day in April. Aaron took me fishing for the very first time. I was excited, but to my surprise, I caught 11 fish! As I stood there by the pond, taking in the view of the water, the gentle breeze, and the beautiful weeping willow tree beside us, I realized how happy I felt just being with him. In that quiet, perfect moment, it hit me. Every day with Aaron felt like that beautiful April day. Peaceful, joyful, and full of something I never wanted to lose. So I worked up the courage to ask him to be my boyfriend. He said no. I was definitely caught off guard, but before I could even process it, about ten seconds later, he smiled and asked me to be his girlfriend instead. I couldn’t help but laugh, and of course, I said yes. That was the beginning of us just a few years ago. And now, as we look ahead, I can’t wait for the moment I get to say yes all over again—this time to becoming his wife.” - The future Mrs. Beloate