Do you believe in love at first sight?

Sometimes, I think it's better phrased: I love him, and he's going to love me too; he just doesn't know it yet.

Tyler and I had the same friend group, yet we never met until our freshman year's second semester. I was invited to hang out with some friends on a Saturday night. That's where I first saw him; sitting on a couch, quietly watching Kung Fu Panda, which happens to be one of my favorite movies. I grab a chair and sat adjacent to the couch. My favorite song was coming up and I wanted to give the movie my full attention. I remember not saying to anyone specific, “This is my favorite song in the movie," and too my surprise Dicky said his first sentence all night, "Oh yeah, Oogway Ascends." As stupid as this sounds, from that moment on I knew I was going to marry him. He, in that moment, was matching my weird obsession with Kung Fu Panda and it made me question him, something in that moment told me there was more to him than a quiet lax bro. So, I did what every girl does who starts to like someone new, texts their sister.

I texted Grace the next day, saying that I fell in love with this guy at school, and she asked “Well, did you talk to him?” That's when I realized I have a lot of work to do, because when he said he knew Oogway Ascends I was so surprised I never responded. So, I devised a plan, I was going to play hard to get with a person who doesn't even like me yet.

Step 1: Learn as much as possible about them without them knowing - I asked around and found out he was quiet and somewhat introverted.

Step 2: Make yourself available - I made a point to be at places where he would be, even if it didn't lead to conversation, I knew that he saw me hanging around.

Step 3: Become impatient and ask a friend to give him your snap - My plan was working, but not fast enough, so I went straight to the source, his teammates, and asked them to give him my snap.

Overall, my plan worked, he thought he was making the first move even though I was already making moves behind the scenes. So, when he finally asked me out on a date I was so ecstatic. Oh how he charmed me, I remember rushing back from that date to tell my girlfriends that he opened every door for me. Quickly we started dating and the next thing you know he was invited on the next family vacation.

Although we are opposites, he is truly my missing half. In moments when I’m high-strung or overflowing with energy, he has a way of grounding me and bringing me back to center. His patience, laughter, and calming presence have transformed my life in ways I never imagined. I often find myself wondering how I ever made it this far without him by my side. The decision to marry him felt like the most natural thing in the world—because when you find someone who complements you so perfectly, how could you ever let them go?

I knew I was going to marry him the first time we met, what I didn’t know was, I found my best friend – someone who makes me a better person, and for that I am forever grateful. I’m so excited for many more years of love, laughter, and everything in between.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Flappers Bar and Grille

Burrata Woodfired

Bickerdyke Table & Tap