Our story started in 2010 when we were in fifth grade. I had the biggest crush on Brian, so I did what any elementary school girl would do; I had my friend ask him out for me. Can you believe the clown turned me down? He said, “We are too young to date,” but even though he rejected me then, I knew I was going to marry him.

Like Kara said, our story started in the fifth grade when I rejected her. I must’ve had some feelings for her though, or I was just playing hard to get, because I gave her a goodbye hug before summer vacation. A few years passed until 2015 when we were in ninth grade, and my charm must never have worn off on Kara because I could tell she was into me. So, I shot my shot, and let me tell you, shooters shoot, but scorers score.

He thought he was smooth? He must’ve forgotten that he was too nervous to ask me out in person and had to write “Will you be my girlfriend?” on his geometry homework.

No matter what Kara thinks, I thought asking her to help with a problem I was stuck on was pretty slick. I mean, it worked didn’t it? That question led to a relationship that survived the trials of high school, like finding matching looks to every dance, and racing to each others’ volleyball, basketball, softball, or baseball games. It even survived the greatest challenge of all; planning to go to different colleges and being away from each other for the first time.

Leaving for school over two and a half hours away didn’t seem like it was going to be too difficult, but man was it tough. Having different schedules while also playing collegiate athletics made it even harder. Still, we found a way to make it work through FaceTime and occasional weekend visits. After 3.5 years of love and support from Brian, I graduated college and moved home to begin my career.

With Kara’s love and support, I finished undergrad a semester later, and with continued love and support, Kara is helping me finish physical therapy school.

It’s crazy to look back at how our story started and picture those two fifteen year olds, but we are thankful that our love for each other has grown like they did. We are excited to begin the new chapter of our story together as Mr. and Mrs. Bernard and look forward to making many memories that we will forever tell in our love story.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Johnstown, an IHG Hotel