To paint the picture, it’s 2019. We were in different high schools, in different towns, living separate lives — yet somehow our worlds had always been quietly connected. Ethan was best friends with Alyssa’s childhood neighbor, a small detail that would later feel like fate gently weaving our story together. Through that connection (and a little help from social media), we started talking. What began as playful, flirty messages quickly turned into something that felt deeper. Even then, there was an ease between us — like we had known each other longer than we actually had. One night, everything shifted. We found ourselves at the same movie theater, Ethan working and Alyssa watching "IT: Chapter 2" with Ava. As we walked out, we saw each other. Our eyes met, and for a moment, the noise around us disappeared. We smiled, a quiet, knowing smile, before continuing on. As space grew between us, we were “just a boy” and “just a girl” to the people around us. But to us, something had sparked. Not long after, we went on our first official date to Chick-fil-A and talked for hours, completely unaware of the time passing. Conversation flowed effortlessly. It felt natural, steady, safe. One night we were watching movies and talking, completely losing track of time. Before we knew it, it was well past midnight. Ethan asked if he could stay the night. Alyssa felt terrible saying "no," so she made him a pallet on the floor — where he happily slept. It was sweet and simple, and somehow that’s when we both knew this was more than just high school feelings. We spent a lot of time, talking about life after high school, and dreaming about what could be. Even as teenagers, those conversations felt real. But sometimes love arrives before timing does. Life pulled us in different directions, and we let each other go. Then in May 2021, we chose each other again. A phone call turned into a date at the bowling alley — our “second first date.” The moment we saw each other, it felt like coming home. We laughed, we played (Alyssa won the final game for all the marbles), and we ended the night at Applebee’s talking for hours, not wanting it to end. Everything felt easy again. From that day forward, we’ve grown side by side. We’ve learned each other deeply. We’ve built something steady and intentional — a partnership rooted in friendship, timing, and choosing one another again and again. On July 16, 2025, by the koi fish pond at the Dallas Arboretum, Ethan asked Alyssa to spend forever together. It was quiet and peaceful — just the two of us — the kind of moment that feels sacred because it’s simple. Our story has never been about grand gestures. It’s been about timing, patience, and always finding our way back to each other. And now, we step into forever...together, with our favorite people from all different seasons. Get ready to bring in the Harrimans. #fiesta