It all started during freshman week of 2022 when we first met—contrary to what Bayleigh remembers. We briefly crossed paths during a scavenger hunt, but it was so quick that she doesn’t even recall it. I remember thinking she was cute, but I didn’t see her again until mid-October when some friends invited me to a hockey game. Little did I know, that night I would meet the love of my life.

When Bayleigh and I saw each other at the game, we hit it off immediately. We spent most of the night talking. She taught me how hockey is played, and as we got to know each other, I realized how much we had in common. It was an incredible evening, but I didn’t see her again for almost three weeks because I got very sick and couldn’t spend time with anyone—let alone the girl who was already stealing my heart.

During that time, we followed each other on social media, and I decided to message her to see if she wanted to go to Scaremare, a haunted house event. She said yes, and I was thrilled. We had an amazing time that night and decided to keep hanging out. The more we spent time together, the closer we became.

The moment I knew I wanted to date her was one night on the band field, where we talked for hours. I was falling for her, and right before Christmas break, I asked her to be my girlfriend. She wanted to wait a bit, and I respected that because I knew she was worth it. During the break, we texted and called each other constantly, and it became clear we were heading toward a relationship. Sure enough, we officially started dating the first week back from break.

That spring, I fell deeply in love with her and told her “I love you” for the first time during spring break, knowing in my heart I wanted to marry her one day. Bayleigh became my sunshine, my favorite person, and the love of my life. Over the next year, our love only grew stronger. Eventually after another year, I bought a ring, asked her father for his blessing, and proposed to her in April of 2024. I’ve never been so sure of a decision in my life, except for giving my life to Christ. Bayleigh is the most amazing, beautiful woman of God, and I can’t wait to spend every day with her. I love you most, Bayleigh. I win

The first time I ever met Michael was at a Liberty University hockey game, when a group of mutual friends invited him unbeknownst to me. It might sound cliche, but after we started talking it felt like we clicked and I never wanted to stop talking to him. Later that night I requested to follow him on instagram and he followed me back, which technically means I made the first move. I was super excited and giddy that entire night with a huge smile on my face because I felt that we had a real spark and connection that night. Michael told me he was going to be at a football tailgate party the next day and I was so excited to see him again, but after looking for him the entire duration of the party he never showed up. Michael then ghosted me for 2 weeks. One day out of the blue he messaged me and asked if I wanted to go to Scaremare, our college’s Halloween haunted house. I wanted to see Michael again and eagerly agreed to it even though he had ghosted me (come to find out Michael was really sick and was in the hospital).

From that point on we started dating and going on many amazing dates like sitting on the band field talking for hours, beating his butt in bowling, going to football games, watching sunsets, and so much more! I began to see how much Michael loves the Lord and continues to follow God daily. I am so blessed and grateful that I am marrying a man that is a believer in Christ and continually follows the Lord daily! I cannot wait to see how we can glorify the Lord together in our marriage. Michael makes me feel like the most important person in the room and I am super excited that I get to marry my best friend. I love you more than most Michael (finger heart), I win!