Back in middle school, Jake and I spent our Wednesday nights at Sublime, a youth group at North Metro Church in Marietta. It was one of those simple, early chapters—lots of laughter, inside jokes, and (on my end) a quiet crush he had no clue about. He was too busy skateboarding and hanging with his friends to notice. Eventually, Sublime came to an end, and we drifted off onto our own paths… not knowing they'd cross again in such a big way.

Fast forward to open house at Harrison High School in 2011—Jake caught my eye again. I was surprised (and a little excited) to find out we’d be going to the same school… and even more so when I realized we were in the same homeroom. But despite that twist of fate, we never actually talked during our four years there. That little middle school crush quietly faded into the background as we both went on with life, dating other people and figuring things out in our own ways.

As Jake and I reunited, we discovered something even more meaningful than a relationship—a true friendship rooted in laughter, growth, and love. From dad jokes and funny voicemails to new careers and unfinished puzzles, our journey has been filled with joy. We are ecstatic to begin this next chapter together and deeply grateful to share it with you.