We met our junior year of high school at Franklin High after Chloe got switched into Mrs. Jones’ English class. She was sat across from Ben, who made it very clear from the start that he was interested by constantly smiling and looking her way. Chloe started smiling back, and before long they were noticing each other more and more in the halls. Ben has always been outgoing, which made it easy for him to keep the conversation going. Chloe loved how kind and confident he was, and over time he helped bring her out of her shell too. We ended up having study hall together, which gave us even more time to talk and get to know each other, and it didn’t take long for things to keep growing from there! Not long after, Ben asked Chloe on their first official date to Opry Mills Mall. Chloe was so nervous she could barely eat her cheese quesadilla at Chuy’s, but it was the start of everything. Later that spring, while watching Forrest Gump, Ben told Chloe that they go together like peas and carrots and asked her to be his girlfriend and the Jenny to his Forrest. It was a little cheesy, but very cute and high school! Over the years, we have truly grown up together. We graduated high school side by side, supported each other through college years and figuring out our careers and have been there for every milestone in between. No matter what season of life we were in, we always had each other. One of our favorite memories together is our trip to Anna Maria Island, which was our first big trip just the two of us. We quickly realized that we could spend days doing nothing but being together, especially if it involved the beach, which is still our favorite place to be. Ben is the one who can always make Chloe laugh and cheer her up no matter what, and Chloe is the one who keeps things grounded and steady. We balance each other in the best way and have become not only partners, but best friends. Ben proposed on Southall Road, a place we’ve driven together countless times. He had it set up with flowers, candles, and photos from throughout our relationship, which made it feel so personal and meaningful. It was the easiest “yes.” After 10 years together, we feel so lucky that our story started when it did. We’ve grown up side by side, and we can’t wait to keep growing together in this next chapter as husband and wife.