In the fall of 2015, a first-week freshman made his way out of the dorm to find some new friends. Little did he know he would meet his soul mate. On the first stop, Riley walked upon Hailey, a young woman who welcomed a new face. It was an instant friendship that grew stronger each day. Hailey helped Riley with a much-needed haircut, and Riley was able to help Hailey reach the top shelf. It was a mutually beneficial friendship, which consisted of many trips to the beach, off-campus restaurants, and countless strolls around Target. The two had become best friends... Fast-forward to 2017... Hailey had graduated while Riley still had two years in college. Despite their age difference, the greatest strength for both in the friendship was patience. Hailey patiently waited for Riley to grow up and graduate, while Riley patiently waited for a chance to tell Hailey how he felt. It was a feeling that both had felt since the beginning of the friendship, but neither was ready to admit it. Finally, in late 2019, the two set off on their weekly dinner excursion. This particular week, they ventured to PF Changs - a night they now call "The Dinner". Early in The Dinner, there was a lot of awkward silence. Hailey was contemplating leaving Birmingham for school, while Riley was worried this was the last chance at seeking something more. It took the entire dinner for Riley to muster up the courage to speak the feelings he had for Hailey, and as fortune would have it (wink), she felt the same way. The two started dating at the end of the year and shared their first New Year’s Eve together atop the Redmont roof. It was the start of something more magical than they yet realized. As the first year evolved, Hailey and Riley strengthened their relationship through the same things that made their friendship strong - communication, understanding, and (obviously) Target. The two shared their first holidays together, and both families were excited to see they were a perfect pair. The clear next step for the two was getting engaged. While Hailey was (more or less) patiently waiting, Riley was patiently dragging his feet. After 18 months of dating, he finally picked out the ring and was ready to make it official. The final hurdle was surprising Hailey in the perfect way. On September 23rd, Riley was ready to execute his careful last-minute plan. He had convinced Hailey that the two were having dinner with friends, but it was to Hailey’s surprise that the night would not start at dinner. After picking Hailey up, Riley took a detour to a plant shop under the guise that a plant had been purchased and needed to be picked up. As the two arrived, Hailey began questioning whether the store was even open, but Riley assured her the plant was waiting for them in the greenhouse. The two were making their way towards the greenhouse when Hailey noticed music and candles in the background. Pausing a moment to understand what was happening, she suddenly realized it was the moment she dreamed of. Her smile stretched from ear to ear and every muscle in her face held back tears of joy, but just barely. The two embraced among the plants while a secret photographer captured the moment. It was the perfect surprise! They began the celebration of their engagement at their favorite restaurant - Hot and Hot Fish Club. The two have since spent the past year celebrating and will end the year on the highest note. December is their favorite time of year; therefore, it is perfect for their wedding. Not too hot, but not cold (thanks Alabama), and full of the greenery that kicked the celebration off. With all of their loved ones present, it will truly be the most special way to begin their marriage.