In Spring 2021, Valarie’s dad and step mom suggested she make a list of the qualities she would want in a husband. At the time she had no idea. Nice?? Funny?? In May 2021, Valarie spent a lot of time down in Florida with her cousins. She decided then that she wanted a husband who would fit right in with everyone. Someone who loved going to Disney, someone who loved listening to Drake, someone who loved basketball, someone who was silly and kind, someone who was not only a great match for her but would also fit in with her family really well. In July 2021, Valarie flew out to Utah to visit her best friend. While her friend was at work, she found herself bored and alone in the room, ready to explore but not knowing a single person. So naturally, she made a very logical life choice and downloaded Tinder. The very first guy she matched with had a bio that read “Honestly just want someone who's down for Universal studios and Disney trips and Jazz games.” and THEN he reached out first about the new Loki TV show she was obsessed with. She didn’t even give anyone else on Tinder a chance. Only 2 days later he picked her up for their first date. They got dinner at a small Mexican restaurant called Mama Chu’s and after he drove around and showed her where his entire family lived. On the second date, he took her, her friend, and Guinness to a casino for their first time. She won $800 and he won her heart. The whole time he was kind, respectful, and so fun to be around. She also found out he and his entire family were HUGE Atlanta Braves fans. She was sold. On the third date, she stopped by his apartment and his room looked exactly like hers. It was covered in LED lights, posters, and he had even more Disney pins than her. She felt at home. At the end of the summer, Valarie went back to Georgia, and they stayed in touch as friends for a few years. She visited again for spring break, and he took her to her first Utah Jazz game, which was also her first NBA game (The Jazz did win). During their time apart, they dated around but nobody even compared. After graduating from UGA in December 2022, Valarie didn’t have any big plans, so she made a quick decision to pack up her life and move to Utah. Once she got there, they started hanging out again as “just friends,” which lasted exactly as long as you’d expect. By April, they made it official and quickly realized how easy everything felt. Guinness approved immediately, which was honestly the most important opinion. Over the course of 2 years, Ethen and Valarie had the most warm and loving relationship. They spent time exploring around Utah, visiting Vegas and Lake Powell, and spending cozy days at home. She absolutely adored his family and he fit in perfectly with hers. Ethen honestly probably talks and plays video games with her brothers way more than she does. On Thursday August 14th, Valarie and Ethen’s family were all at Disneyland. Around sunset, the family was begging to get a family pic in front of the castle. Finally he shows up right as the sun is hitting the castle perfectly and they go up to take a family photo. After the family photo, they tell Val and E to take a photo just them. As they go to pose, Ethen turns and gets on one knee and asks her to marry him. The rest of the night felt like a true dream. They FaceTimed all their close family and friends to tell them the news and had the most magical night with everyone. Since then they have moved to Orlando and spend most of their days at theme parks, wedding planning, and snuggling with Guinness. They are incredibly excited to get married and to share their ceremony and experience with you.