They say the best love stories begin with a strong connection or love at first sight, which we could definitely argue had its moments, but ours began with friendship and laughter - the kind that comes easy, like we've known each other our whole lives. We started as coworkers, quickly became best friends, and then love quietly snuck its way in. Our connection grew between quiet conversations over dinners and coffees, walks to "our spot" in Elmhurst University's garden, playful date nights exploring new places, bachata classes, church on Sunday mornings, and many places and experiences in between. Loving each other came naturally and easily, and with that, loving each other's family and friends came the same. What started with just the two of us grew into a mosaic of holiday dinners, Saturday night outs, family outings, and so much love from our wonderful village that spills out of every room we're in. Love isn't just built on the bright and easy days we've learned, but also forged in the hard ones. When moments in life were too heavy for words, we knew that every hardship became another thread in the fabric of us and our story. Now here we are - two best friends, partners, soulmates - standing at the edge of forever. The next chapter isn't a new beginning, but rather a continuation of everything we've built: a life full of laughter, love, patience, promise, and Christ as the center. So here's to forever. Not the perfect kind, but the real kind - the one we fought for, laughed for, and cried for. The one we earned. The one that feels, every single day, like coming home.