Carly and I first met in 7th grade when we were twelve years old. We were seated next to each other in every class we had together since they sat us alphabetically (Ray & Rogers). I was in instant awe and had a massive crush on her. Carly, well, not so much. Behold, my first experience being friend zoned and heart broken by a girl when I just knew I was in love. But...if you know me, you know momma didn't raise a quitter. We texted each other all day, sometimes while sitting next to each other in class, on our high-tech 2000s Nokia phones (carefully so we didn't get our phones taken away by the teacher). We would talk to each other at night on AOL Instant Messaging. Believe it or not, this was the time and platform where Carly and I first said, "I love you." Two thirteen-year-olds saying I love you on AOL IM, you know things were getting serious. I finally convinced her to go on what I thought was a date with me to see Marley & Me at the theater. Imagine my surprise when she showed up with her mom and brother (Definitely not a date). Whatever small chance I might have still had was quickly ruined when I was the only one not in tears at the end of the movie. Resigning myself to the fact that we would only ever be friends, Carly and I remained close throughout junior high and much of high school. Unfortunately, we would fall out of touch when we both went off to college. I attended Central Washington University and Carly Washington State University. I also noted there was, who I referred to as, "Some dude," in Carly's Facebook pictures during those years. I often thought of Carly, but life happens and is busy, so we would not see or talk to each other for about six years. The years went on and I always hoped she was doing well in college, even though she was a Coug. Fast forward to the summer of 2017 when one day I was perusing through my Instagram suggested followers and, "Carly Ray" popped up. Naturally, I immediately scrolled through every single one of her photos. Mr. Some Dude was nowhere to be found. Here was my chance! Activate, the slide into DMs, you know, the modern version of sliding into AOL IMs. And boy did I slide. I was not going to mess this one up! In all seriousness, I was also just really happy to talk to her after so many years. DMs evolved to texting and phone calls, and we agreed to meet up sometime and catch up. Carly was back living in Puyallup, and I was moving from Ellensburg to Burien in a few weeks to attend the police academy. I started the academy on September 6th, 2017, and asked Carly out on September 8th, 2017. I took her to Buffalo Wild Wings, having no idea she was a vegetarian at the time. Epic fail. But she settled for mozzarella sticks and I'm sure was still blown away by my charm for the entire evening. We ended up at a park in Puyallup not far from Ballou Junior High where it all started. I'm sure still being swept off her feet and dazed by my rizz, drum roll...our first kiss. Your boy had officially emerged from the friend zone. The next several years were filled with so much love and adventure. From Mexico to California trips to Taiwan and Japan to Hawaii to just about every winery in Washington to almost every hockey rink on this side of the U.S. and Canada, and so many more places, we've lived life to the fullest. December of 2024 was highlighted by me popping the question on top of the Eiffel Tower restaurant in Las Vegas. Carly and I have great careers, own two successful businesses, have two houses, and so much more. Twelve-year-old Trevor would have never imagined this life for us. We are so excited to celebrate with our friends and family and hope to see you all on September 13th for our big day!