We first started hanging out after Koby asked Gabby to a middle school dance. Gabby had just moved to Central City and was still trying to figure out where she fit in. We were both at track and field practice when Koby worked up the courage to ask her afterward. She said yes right away—and we were both so excited.

We were just kids, and everything about that night was awkward in the best way. We laughed nonstop, tried (and failed) to dance, and were completely silly together. Without realizing it, we were starting something special.

After middle school, life pulled us in different directions, and we lost touch. Things got busy, and for a while, it seemed like we might just be a fond memory from each other’s past.

Then, during Gabby’s freshman year and Koby’s sophomore year, we found our way back to each other—at a track meet of all places. Gabby had just finished competing, and Koby was there watching events with friends. We started talking, and it felt like no time had passed at all. From there, we kept talking, hanging out, and before we knew it, we were best friends again. This time, though, it felt different—stronger and deeper. By Gabby’s sophomore year, we both realized we wanted to be more than just friends.

In 2018, Koby asked Gabby to prom. It felt like the perfect full-circle moment from that first middle school dance. Even though we technically weren’t dating yet, it felt like we were. When one of Koby’s friends asked if we were together, we technically weren’t dating yet, but after talking for so long, Gabby finally just said, “Yes, we are!” And just like that, our anniversary was born—completely spontaneous, unserious, and perfectly us.

Since then, we’ve been inseparable. We’ve grown up side by side, built a life together, and now we’re planning forever together. It’s crazy to think that everything started with one simple dance.

Lots of love,

Koby & Gabby