It all began on that November day in the Florida Keys. Sophia was getting ready to head out on the boat with family and friends when, across the canal, she spotted a guy climbing a palm tree. “Well… now I want to climb a palm tree,” she said. “Go ask him how,” her mom encouraged. “No, that would be weird,” Sophia laughed — little did she know “that guy” would be the one asking her a question that would change everything. Later that evening, flashing lights appeared on the canal. The same palm-tree-climbing guy — now known as Bubba — was being towed back after a run-in between fishing lines and a boat engine (not a good mix). What started as a few conversations shouted across the canal soon turned into Bubba making his way over with family and friends. Drinks were shared, laughter flowed, and a connection began that would carry through the entire weekend. The next night in Key West, Bubba and Sophia took a walk down a quiet pier and spent hours talking in the car, getting to know each other. Somewhere between those conversations and the now-legendary moment when “Bubba swam across the canal,” something special began to grow. After just three days, Bubba asked Sophia a question that started it all, “So… are we going to do long distance?” They decided to give it a try. He met her at the airport for one last goodbye, knowing it would be a month before they saw each other again. When New Year’s Eve arrived, they reunited as if no time had passed. That night, Bubba asked Sophia to be his girlfriend — and from there, their love only deepened. Through moves, a distance that slowly grew shorter, and every season in between, their love has only grown stronger, rooted in faith, friendship, and a whole lot of laughter. On July 5, 2025, surrounded by family and the beauty of a Florida Keys sunset, Bubba planned the perfect proposal. Sophia said yes, and that sunset will forever be one of their most cherished memories — the beginning of their forever. They are excited to celebrate this next chapter with all of you—before they say ‘I do’ down in the Keys, where it all began.