Shelby and I first met in August of 2017 in Tuscaloosa while working at Moe’s Original BBQ. It was Shelby’s first day at the restaurant, while I had worked there for about a year. I had heard rave reviews about her from her friends, who were very excited that she had gotten hired and that they were going to get to work with her. I was told Shelby was cute, very funny, and typically the life of the party. Much to my surprise, Shelby barely said a word to me—or really anyone—that day. It wasn’t the first time a cute girl had ignored me, but I remember wondering if maybe Shelby’s friends were overselling her outgoing nature. As the following weeks and months went by, and shyness gave way to familiarity, I began to see the Shelby I know now—not the quiet, nervous girl I had first met. We made a habit of seeing more of each other outside of work, and admittedly, I only went out if I knew Shelby was also out. Shelby was all the things she had been described before we met, but beyond that, I learned that she is deeply empathetic, an excellent listener, and a loyal friend to those lucky enough to call her ‘friend’. Shelby became not only my favorite person to be around but also my closest confidant, biggest supporter, and the one I knew I couldn’t imagine life without. Seven years later, I can’t help but look back on that August day in 2017 with immense gratitude as it marked the beginning of the greatest journey of my life. Our story is a reminder that often the best things in life take time to reveal themselves. Now, as we prepare to celebrate this next chapter surrounded by all of you—our dearest friends and family—we are reminded of the love and support that has carried us to this incredible moment.