It all started on February 8th, 2021 at a 6am workout class. At first, we were just two people crossing paths. Ryleigh temporarily moved back to Skaneateles from NYC during the COVID-19 shutdown, where she joined a gym in Syracuse, NY. I joined that same gym, with intentions to get myself in shape for the professional lacrosse draft. Little did I know, this would lead me to the love of my life. Our relationship began as friends, bonding over genuine conversations and post-gym chats that felt effortless. As our relationship grew, we couldn't help but notice the deepening connection between us - whether it was our shared family values, goofy sense of humor, or the ease at which we could talk about anything and everything. What started as casual moments soon blossomed into something undeniable, and before we knew it, the sparks of attraction were impossible to ignore. On March 5th, 2021, after weeks of subtle eye contact, playful banter, and maybe a touch of flirting after class, we finally took the leap and hung out outside the gym. We met up for drinks, ending up at The York in downtown Syracuse, NY, where we indulged in one too many espresso martinis and lost ourselves in conversation. On April 10th, 2021, we went on our first of many trips to NYC together, where you previously lived, worked, and attended college. You showed me all your favorite spots, and with each moment, we found ourselves talking more and more about the possibility of becoming something official. If you remember, I was trying to play it cool, acting like we were already together and that there was no need for any grand "official" question. But you wouldn’t let that slide—you wanted it to be real, to be official. So, we ended up at The Wren, and it was there that I finally asked you the question that had been on both our minds: to be my girlfriend. Between then and now, we've shared countless memories and grown together in ways I never imagined possible. We've explored Nashville, Dallas, and ventured back to NYC a few more times. Our adventures also took us on shared family trips to Canada, New Jersey, and the Adirondacks, making every journey unforgettable. We’ve been roommates for four incredible years, calling two different houses our home (three if you count my parents' basement). We've filled our days with so many experiences—traveling, attending concerts, tailgating, hiking, tackling house projects, planting together, cooking dinner side by side, enjoying lake days, camping under the stars, late-night bar nights, holidays that made our hearts full, morning coffee walks in the park, and spontaneous dinner dates that were always the best kind of surprise. And then there’s the addition of Marlowe, our adorable puppy, who’s filled our home with even more love, joy, and mischief. Through all of it, I’ve realized one thing: I want to keep doing all of these things with you—forever. On July 6th, 2024, I took Ryleigh on a date to the beautiful Anyela's Vineyard in Skaneateles. Surrounded by beautiful views of the lake, in a town in which she grew up in, I asked her the most important question of my life: to spend forever with me. That day stands as the best day of my life, without a doubt. And as we look ahead to August 9th, 2025, I know that day will mark the beginning of what I've been dreaming of for so long—a lifetime by your side. I love you, Ryleigh Anne Peterson, to the moon and back. You truly are the joy of my life.