Our story began long before we truly understood what love was. We first met in high school, where a simple connection slowly grew into something special. We went from strangers to playful flirting, calling one another “bae” in passing conversations. At the time, neither of us thought much of it—we never tried to be together and simply enjoyed the lighthearted connection we shared. When freshman year of college arrived, we carried that familiar bond into a new chapter of life, learning and growing side by side as we navigated adulthood for the first time. Like many young relationships, life eventually pulled us in different directions. During sophomore year, we went our separate ways—each continuing our own journey and gaining lessons, growth, and a deeper understanding of what we had meant to one another. Years after graduating college, life brought us back together. This time, everything felt different. We had grown individually, gained clarity, and discovered that what we shared all those years ago had never truly faded. Rekindling our relationship came with deeper conversations, stronger commitment, and a renewed appreciation for love—this time with God leading us and intentionality guiding our purpose. One of our first times going out together in public again became a night to remember when I accidentally left my phone in his car. What could have been a quick return turned into something much more meaningful. He brought it back the next morning, and we went to church together. In that quiet moment, I knew without a doubt that he was the one. From there, everything fell into place. Surrounded by love, faith, and family, our relationship grew stronger than ever. During Super Bowl weekend, with both of our families together, he surprised me with a proposal—turning a special weekend into the beginning of forever. What once began as young love has matured into a lasting partnership. We move forward with gratitude for every chapter that led us here, knowing that every step—together and apart—prepared us for this moment as we begin the next chapter of our story as husband and wife.