We were just thirteen the summer of 2005 when we first met at Camp Gilboa, and we became just casual camp friends in that summer-camp-friends-with-everyone kind of way. Then it was back to school, then back to camp the next summer, then back to school again, then back to camp …and then, in that summer of 2007, we discovered the connection that became the foundation of our lives together one unforgettable summer evening, literally lying on the ground holding hands, gazing at the stars, talking for hours about family, life, and ideals, confiding to one another our secret dreams and fears. That night we found in each other the understanding, ease, and trust that form the bedrock of our relationship. We became instant best friends and stayed up many nights just talking for hours, and then, in that summer of 2007, we fell madly in love—and our lives have been truly blessed ever since.

He lived in Irvine and she lived in LA, an hour away and a seemingly insurmountable world apart, but we made a promise to each other to make it work. And we did. Thanks to Amtrak and to our parents, who understood that this was no ordinary high school crush and schlepped us to and from the train stations, we spent every weekend during those pre-driving years together. We traveled to Israel, got our drivers' licenses at last, returned to camp now as junior counselors, and, after what felt like an eternity, we graduated high school, turned eighteen, and began college living together in Ayllon's family home. Ayllon juggled school and his job at a growing tech company; Katie dove into her schoolwork and internships. We worked hard and saved money together, so that when we turned nineteen we were able to fly to Europe for a two-month adventure of a lifetime and to move into our first apartment together.

After nearly six years together, as the sun set over the Pacific on a romantic Laguna Beach promontory, Ayllon surprised Katie on her 21st birthday by asking her to marry him.

We have been partners in love and in life since that summer of 2007, and in our hearts we feel we have been a married couple throughout those eight years together. Life is short. When you know, you know.

To our parents, we could not have been where we are today without your help and support. To our families and friends, thank you for your constant love and guidance over the years and for the years ahead. We look forward to celebrating with all of you on August 8th, 2015!