They say timing is everything, and our relationship is testament that the best things happen precisely when they are meant to.

We first met in Birmingham, Alabama, at our first jobs out of college in 2016. From jokes about the “triangle of success” to cubicle conversations between meetings, a friendship quickly formed.That friendship carried on in Birmingham until Bobby moved to Atlanta in 2020.

In 2022, when I moved to Atlanta, I found myself looking to make friends in a big city where I only knew my sisters. Naturally, I reached out to Bobby. He wasted no time inviting me to join his group’s concert outings, and before long, I felt like part of the crew.

After months of concerts and spending time together, Bobby decided to take a chance. With the expert editing skills and strong encouragement of Graham and Emily King, he crafted a very direct text message asking me to dinner — and made sure to clarify that it was definitely a date. Much to Bobby’s dismay, I spent three hours weighing the pros and cons of a friendship lost versus a relationship gained with my sister, Natalie, before finally responding, “I’d love to!”

After seven years of friendship, Bobby and I went on what has to have been the easiest first date in history. The two years since have been filled with incredible music, amazing friends, new puppies, and countless memories.

On December 21, 2024, while enjoying a slow Saturday morning with a cup of coffee in hand, Bobby asked me to spend forever with him.

There was nothing left to say but — “I’d love to!”