Our love story began in Cullowhee, North Carolina, while we were both attending Western Carolina University and worked together at the local Lowe’s Hardware. Ronald was a senior, and I was a junior. Ronald worked on the fulfillment team, and I started in home décor before moving up to head cashier. While working at the customer service desk—a part of the job I wasn’t fond of—I met Ronald. He was the goofy, upbeat guy who always found a way to make me smile, and soon we started grabbing milkshakes after our shifts.

What started as casual hangouts quickly turned into a weekly tradition, and it wasn’t long before we realized how much we had in common. We shared similar dreams and values, and on October 3rd, 2021, Ronald asked me to be his girlfriend. That moment was the start of a love that has only grown stronger since.

Over the next three years, we built a relationship filled with memories and milestones. Even though Ronald graduated before me, we stayed by each other’s side, supporting one another through big moments like graduation, police internships, marching band performances, pilot school, and the beginnings of our careers. Along the way, we celebrated birthdays, went on beach trips, attended band concerts, and cheered on our teams at countless football games (Go Cats and Wolfpack!).

The proposal happened on December 28th, 2024. When Ronald proposed to me, I was flooded with joy. With no hesitation, I said yes!

We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who is helping us celebrate. You are all such an important part of our story, and it’s because of each of you that Ronald and I have been able to build such a strong and beautiful relationship. Surrounded by the most genuine, caring, and supportive people we know and love. We cannot wait to celebrate May 16th with you all and establish this date as our “forever anniversary”.