We were born in the same hospital just 10 days apart, grew up in the same town, and even shared some of the same friends — but somehow, it took 18 years and traveling 3,000 miles away to Hampton University for our paths to finally cross. Through college, we were great friends that enjoyed having someone from home close by. We were both excited to be in five-year programs, which meant we’d get an extra year together as we pursued our degrees. That changed when Kelley took a big leap and decided to start her career in Texas a year early. Aaron was surprised by the wave of panic he felt at the thought of Kelley moving away. It was then that he realized she meant far more to him than he had realized — and that no amount of distance would change that. Admittedly, it took a couple more years of Aaron’s unwavering belief in their future for Kelley to finally come to the same realization. That realization launched five years of long-distance love between Austin, TX and Boston, MA, during which Kelley explored her career in HR in Corporate America while Aaron pursued his Master’s degree at Northeastern University. We will always be proud of those years and everything they taught us. Patience, commitment to uplifting each other, and a stubborn belief in our love carried us here. Now, we’re excited to step into our next chapter — hand in hand, always.