Colby Ann Gonzalez and Walker Payne Janek

grew up as close family friends, enjoying vacations and holidays together. Our first kiss took place in Colby’s closet when we were about nine years old. We attended the homecoming football game together in junior high, but then we went our separate ways for the beginning of our high school years.

The silver lining during the COVID quarantine was the invitation Colby extended to Walker, asking him to join a group of friends and family on vacation at the Frio River. Fortunately, he accepted, and since April 25, 2020, we have been inseparable. We officially began “talking” on April 27, shared our “real” first kiss on April 30, and by May 20, Walker expressed his love for Colby. On June 16, he asked her to be his girlfriend, and just a few days later, on June 20, he promised her that he would marry her one day.

Colby then went on to play volleyball at Washington State University, while Walker completed his senior year of high school. Despite her passion for volleyball, she couldn’t stand to be away from him and eventually transferred to Sam Houston State University, where Walker was also studying and playing baseball. Throughout our college years, we created countless memories together, including finding our furry companion, Winston, outside our apartment. We spent our weekends at the baseball field, made many spontaneous trips to New Braunfels and Houston, and formed many lasting friendships along the way.

We both cherish spending time with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, playing sports, traveling, and snuggling on the couch with Winston while watching movies.

Walker kept his promise to Colby by asking her to be his wife on December 14, 2024.

Colby describes Walker as “her home, her happiness, and her calm in every storm.”

Walker describes Colby as “the love of his life, his favorite hello, and someone who is beautiful inside and out.”

Every moment we have shared—seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years—has been nothing short of perfect.