Our story begins back in 2009 when I (Bryce) hopped off the school bus at Woodland Pubic School for my first day of seventh grade. Traditionally, all Gracefield Public School kids made the transfer after finishing up grade six. We made that school exciting and far more tolerable. As my best recollection has it, Clare, who crushed heavily on me and my Bieberish appearance, was heartbroken when I took the hand of another. We remained civil and friends.

Though my adolescent, boyish, mind may have made the wrong choice at age twelve, it would not do the same in 2016. That same boyish mind, single and searching, was pleased to run into that same Clare Rivers on a popular social application in which she decided to "Swipe Right" on me, as i had already done for her. After a couple of slick lines and reminding her of who I was, I hit her with the infamous "This app is lame, text me sometime". She did. The rest is history...

Instantly enamoured by her work ethic, punctuality and scientific mind. She was my world. For her, I believe my devilishly good looks, lingering resemblance of the Beibs, sense of humour and honesty magnetized her soul to mine.

Through eight years, nine on the day of our nuptials, we have lived together and apart. From long distance relationships, myself being in St. Catharines, Clare splitting time between Guelph, Ottawa, King City and Smiths Falls. It's true what they say, "Distance makes the heart grow fonder". Finally, I packed my bags and met her in our first apartment (of three we would live in, all within thirty seconds of each other) in Smiths Falls. Learning to live together as adults, learning to love how she cooks and Clare loving how I do the dishes. We had entered a stage of being married without being married. Chores, bills, communication and the occasional communication breakdown. Together, we brought a dog into the world, Geddy, who really is the best. I would put money down on him being better than any dog ever, all due to our incredible teamwork of raising the boy.

After almost eight years, just before our anniversary, Clare and I took a trip south to Mexico, where we contemplated never coming back and selling bananas and bracelets on the beach under clever alias'. Instead, without any outside pressures, I decided to kneel down on one knee at a private oceanside dinner. In a proclamation of love, I presented the very same engagement ring my Grandfather used back in the summer of 1968 to ask my Grandmother for her hand in marriage. (Alan and Debbie Holder). They will be celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary on the same day that Clare and I celebrate our 9th. June 7th. Their love, their story has always driven me to be the best that I can be for Clare. That ring symbolizes longevity and true love.

Clare and I have grown together for many years and we look forward to many more.

Thank you Gramma and Grampa, and to all who have supported us in creating our story.

With love and gratitude,

Bryce and Clare