Our story began in 2017 at Georgia State University, when two freshmen unknowingly crossed paths in a college dining hall surrounded by mutual friends. What started as a casual introduction quickly became unforgettable—especially when he decided to flirt a little and confidently challenge her and her friends to a basketball game at the rec center. Competitive? Maybe. Smooth? We’ll let you decide. Not long after, excuses to spend time together started piling up. Between video game hangouts, endless conversations, and finding every reason to be around each other, it became obvious that something special was growing. He quickly realized she was not only beautiful and fun to be around, but incredibly smart too—a recent high school valedictorian whose ambition and kindness only made him admire her more. As college went on, their friendship turned into something deeper. School breaks meant long drives just to spend time together, dinner dates back home, and learning that even the simplest moments felt better when shared. Whether it was grabbing food, laughing for hours, or just enjoying each other’s company, being together always felt easy. After graduating from undergrad, they officially made it “us.” During his gap year, weekends became their time—full of visits, quality time, and building the foundation of what would become a lifelong partnership. When medical school brought him to Auburn, Alabama, distance became part of the journey, but never the obstacle. For the first two years, they took turns making the hour-and-a-half drive just to steal weekends together, proving that love looks a lot like effort. Then came a new chapter: moving in together in Columbus, Georgia, far from family and familiar routines. Those two years brought them even closer as they built a home, learned each other more deeply, and strengthened a bond rooted in friendship, laughter, and unwavering support. Eventually, life brought them back to Georgia after he matched back home, and after years of growing together through every stage of life, he proposed following graduation—beginning their forever. These days, life looks a lot like the little moments they’ve always loved most: trying new places to eat, spending cozy nights at home where she’s reading while he’s playing the game, and simply enjoying being in each other’s space. As two former athletes, they’ve even picked up a shared love for tennis, spending weekends on the court together. From a freshman-year dining hall encounter to forever, their story has always been built on love, friendship, persistence…and maybe a little healthy competition.