In our world, dreams do come true.

We met when we were young, both going to Southwood Elementary School in Kentwood. Spending time in grade school playing tag, water gun fights, and having crushes. Well, not me, but Jon. He must have let me know because I have solid memories of him being "the kid who had a crush on me". Jon kept his personal feelings close, like by writing "I love Ciara" on his pillow when he was 8 years old. { His mom remembers! }

I moved away after 5th grade, and it took until our early 20's, but our paths crossed again - at least from across the room. Jon and I shared mutual friends in Lindsay and Derek Basilius - both of us working respectively with the other two. We frequented the same places after our work days. Jon even slid in my DM's in 2011.

While nothing came from that, both of us still holding relationships with the same mutual friends, { shout out, they are both in our wedding! } Jon and I found ourselves single. He called Lindsay, Lindsay called me, and with a smirk and an eye roll, I gave him my number.

Our first conversation was about football, unknowingly the way to both of our hearts and something that would play a role for the rest of our lives. After a few weeks, we met up on Labor Day weekend, and continued to do that, every weekend.

On Halloween, Jon met Melanie for the first time. They hit it off right away. { And if you know them, they can't live without each other now! } But it wasn't until a Christmas Party in December that Jon and I were officially dating { aka Facebook official }.

Later that January, we went to our first NFL game together, and I love you's were said. We moved in with each other later that summer.

After 2 years of dating, Jon gave me the surprise of my life. After winning NFL tickets to a game of our choice, we were living out some dreams and were lucky to see Green Bay playing Kansas City at Lambeau Field. Our two best friends, Megann and Greg, came with us. { cue me literally having no idea } All the details were perfect, down to Megann getting a video of me singing "baby just say yes" { Taylor Swift's Love Story } while we were walking outside of the stadium and she's got my ring in her pocket. Half time comes, and while I can see Taylor Swift from my seat { iykyk }, Jon stands me up, and asks me to marry him.

Hell yes baby!!! Now we are planning on throwing the best celebration of our lives and can't wait for all of you to join us in it. See you there!

Love,

Ciara and Jon

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