It was the summer before going to college and I had told myself that I wasn’t going to go out with anyone since I was about to move away and I already had a busy summer. We had followed each other on instagram previously but nothing happened until we passed each other at the gallia county fair and he messaged me asking me on a date. Mom had been telling me I needed to start “casually dating” (I think my disinterest in relationships at the moment had her worried lol) so I said yes but didn’t expect it to go anywhere since I was leaving for college in two weeks but ever since that first date we’ve been inseparable:) He asked me to be his girlfriend on August 13th, the day before I left for college. Being at different colleges was definitely tough sometimes but phone calls, visits, and Fortnite (neither of us are really gamers but he bought me an Xbox so we had something to do besides sit on the phone haha) made it easier and overall the distance has made our relationship stronger. He asked me to marry him on our one year anniversary (shout out to Graci Davis for some of my favorite pictures ever!!) and I, obviously, said yes!

From the moment I met Gretta, I knew she was different. She radiated positivity and joy. She was happy. She was thoughtful. She was unlike any person I’d ever met. I told my friends that with any luck she’d be the girl I marry. She didn’t make it easy. Horrible communication skills. She didn’t learn how to text me back for the first 3 months of our relationship but I persevered and now I get to marry the girl I love so much. In all seriousness, the impact Gretta has had on my life is immeasurable. I am truly blessed to be able to spend the rest of my life with her.