Dakota and I both attended the University of Delaware, and although we had always known of each other throughout our time there, our paths never truly crossed in a meaningful way until our senior year. We were familiar faces - mutual friends, shared spaces, the kind of “I’ve definitely seen you before” connection. But it wasn’t until that final year that something really clicked. After we graduated, we started spending more time together through our friend groups, and with every hangout it became clearer that there was something more between us. What started as casual conversations turned into long talks, shared laughs, and an undeniable pull toward each other. Somewhere along the way, we realized we weren’t just falling in love - we were becoming each other’s best friends. The summer of 2021 is where it all truly began. Down at the Jersey Shore in Manasquan, New Jersey, everything fell into place. Between beach days, late nights, and sunsets by the water, we fell in love in the most natural and unforgettable way. Manasquan will always hold such a special place in our hearts because it’s where we stopped being two people who had always known of each other and became something so much more. It’s where we found comfort, excitement, and a love that felt steady and safe - like home. By November 2021, we officially started dating, certain that what we had found was rare and worth holding onto. Now, four years later, we are just as in love - if not more - than we were that first summer. We’ve built a beautiful life together in our home, filled with laughter, comfort, and so much joy. Our puppy Cooper has made our little family complete, and every day together feels like the best kind of adventure. Through every season, we’ve grown not only as partners but as best friends, choosing each other every single day. We truly are each other’s home. We can’t wait to marry each other and continue building a lifetime of memories side by side. Most of all, we are so excited to celebrate our love with all of you and begin this next chapter surrounded by the people who mean the most to us.