It all started with afropuffs. In 2017, the Fort Payne High School drama department previewed a scene from our one-act play, Disco Ella. I shimmed onto the stage with my afro puffs sitting high on each side of my head, electric blue lipstick shining, and platforms at least four inches high. This was the first time I managed to catch his eye.

After asking around and finding out "not to mess with Coach Prater's daughter," he decided to take a risk and introduce himself to me. Although short-lived, we dated for a year in high school.

Although we thought we said good-bye forever that summer before senior year, life had other plans. By the summer of 2020, we had begun to rekindle our friendship. Through loss, grief, and an abundance of life lessons, we found our way back to each other.

After much thought, we decided to follow our hearts to Huntsville, and just short of half a year later, we found ourselves engaged. As we start our journey to forever, we want to say thank you to our parents, our siblings, and close friends for always encouraging us and coaching us through the tough times. We love you!