Our love was a slow burn. Michael and I ran in the same circles throughout middle school, but we didn’t get closer until we joined the marching band in eighth grade. I didn’t know it then, but I fell for him on a rainy competition day, holed up in the band room, teaching each other how to play our instruments. (For anyone wondering, I’m a horrible trombone player). A couple months later, we shared our first kiss in the neighborhood park, tucked behind a tree hiding from the view of our friends. Like us at the time, it was gentle, kind, and innocent.

The boy I fell in love with instinctually put his arm across my chest when the school bus braked. He opened my car door and walked me to my front step even when I was too stubborn and independent. He wrote handwritten love letters on notebook paper. He loved me wholly, respectfully, and tenderly.

The man I’m in love with today is still all of these things, but he’s grown into a better version of himself. I admire Michael's work ethic and selflessness in every task he takes on, from work, to dirty dishes, to taking care of his people. The man seriously tries to do it all, and he's never once complained in the 13 years I've known him. I admire his patience with unruly and challenging patients, our spoiled-rotten fur babies, our headstrong friends, and (of course) me. Most of all, I love the way he loves me. He honors my independence, protects and repairs me when I forget to take care of myself, and adores and respects every part of me, even the parts that push his buttons.

From high school drama to tough college exams, establishing careers and adopting fur babies, and all of life’s griefs and glees in-between, we’ve grown up together, and we continue to grow with each other every day. After 13 years together, we are so excited to commit to growing up with each other forever in front of all of the wonderful humans who have always supported our love! We love you, and can’t wait to celebrate with you soon!

I have loved Cheyanne since we were in middle school together. She would wear khaki skirts and white polos to science class with Mr. Seltzer (ew he was the worst). Every time I would see her enter the room, I would feel my cheeks grow red, and I could not stop smiling.

As I was always too shy to speak to Cheyanne, I was introduced through her bossy friend. We talked every night, and then one day she basically forced me to ask her out over text, typical virgo moves. We fell in love together through our shared affinity for music and marching band, which allowed us to spend time staring into each other’s souls and being obnoxiously up the other’s butt.

After high school, we ended up moving to the mountains for college where we formed our found family. We had our ups and downs during our college years, yet I mostly remember the times we spent laughing together and cooking with friends. I would also like to mention this is the point where our cat, Mila, joins our life. Shout out to her for being the nicest, most sweetest thing to ever terrorize the earth.

We experienced the biggest hurdles we had to overcome as a couple. We battled difficult friendships, passing exams, and finding out how to live together as two people coming into adulthood. I have always admired how well Cheyanne can handle herself as a teacher, cook for all our friends, and be my best friend as well as a therapist at times. She always knows when to pick me up and when to show me the tough love I need to hear. She is my rock and the best part of my day.

I still wonder how I was so lucky to have her tell me to ask her out back in our middle school years. Her intellect, style, and beauty never cease to amaze me. She loves me and my family and always knows exactly what gifts to get for everyone. She has a secret sense for determining who will be a life long friend and who deserves the “eat shit ” look. She also knows exactly how to dress me and make me feel handsome before our dates. I hope one day I can live up to the amazing woman I managed to fall in love with.

Can’t wait to see all of our favorite people out celebrating us in September.