I first met Ray at a high school get-together at Lake Pleasant and was instantly drawn to his personality, as he was confident yet humble, sociable, and witty. Over time, our friend groups merged at the start of senior year, and my feelings for him grew as we became closer friends. After I slyly found a way into the backseat of one of his flight lessons (since becoming a pilot just so happened to be my lifelong dream), we started talking more. Eventually, I confessed my feelings, and it feels like ever since then, we’ve fit perfectly into each other’s lives. Being Ray’s partner has truly been the greatest blessing of my life. I cannot imagine the person I would be if I had never met him, or if he hadn’t played such a pivotal role in shaping who I am. He has strengthened me not only as a partner but also as a person, with his understanding, intelligence, and kindness. He brings light into even the most ordinary days, turning the simplest moments into something meaningful. Sharing our hometowns and now our college years together has created some of the most memorable moments of my life. I couldn’t be more excited to continue building a future side by side, knowing there is no one better suited to make this life so beautiful and to lift each other up every step of the way.

I first saw Rylee Bird in late May of my junior year. We were at the lake as a junior class, and I remember standing by the water when she first showed up—stepping out of her friend's car, silhouetted on the hill. Although it was the first time I’d ever seen her, I didn’t say a word to that pretty, way-out-of-my-league girl. It wasn’t until almost the end of the summer, when our mutual friend Nicole started bringing her around, that I finally talked to her. And it wasn’t until September that I finally got a clue that I more than potentially had a shot with this girl. I asked her to be my girlfriend on October 2nd, and from there, we were off. From Homecoming to Prom, from Arizona to Texas, we stayed together—even in spite of breaking up for a week when we parted ways for Texas Tech and A&M. We made the distance work for a year, with Rylee making the 7-hour drive from Lubbock to come see me. During Rylee’s visits, our love grew—not just for each other, but for Texas A&M. By sophomore year, Rylee was accepted and transferred to A&M. At the end of our first year as classmates, we (well, Rylee) decided that despite being extremely busy and broke, we should place a bid on a black lab puppy at her sorority’s auction—and we won. Enter our dog Cleo, who joined us for our junior year at A&M. Finally, on September 1st, I asked the love of my life to marry me under the Century Tree. I now sit here, enjoying the thought that the girl I was once too scared to talk to is going to be my wife. Her enduring selflessness, pure heart, and love—not just for me, but for everyone—inspire me every day. I am a better person because of her. I can think of no better person to bring into my family and raise kids with. I can’t wait to see what adventures our future holds—and so long as I’m with her, I know I’ll love every second of it.