It all started in the most thrilling of places: Senior year English class. I didn’t even know who he was until he messaged me on Instagram (modern romance, right?). At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked him, but he was nice, funny, and played sports—basically, he caught my attention. His first impression of me? That I was beautiful… but also aggressive. (Not wrong.)

Our first date was hilariously low-key but memorable. We watched a scary movie and ate BBQ chicken with my parents—yes, my parents were right there. It was my first date ever and the first time I brought a boy home, so nerves were high. It took him forever to hold my hand because, according to him, there were “a million cameras” pointing at him. (There were cameras in my house. He’s not wrong.)

At first, I didn’t fall for him right away. He had to chip away at me, little by little, until I realized I’d completely fallen. Now, I think he’s the most handsome man in the world. He claims he knew from day one that I was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen—and that he had to be with me. Turns out, persistence works.

He says he fell in love when our eyes locked for the first time in English class. For me, it happened later—when we went from being just boyfriend and girlfriend to being best friends. That’s when I knew I never wanted to be away from him.

Our first kiss was at Incarnate Word, right under the Christmas lights at the bottom of a big white house. We’ve gone back every year since, always kissing in that same spot. So when he suggested we go there on February 16th, 2024—after a dinner at Pappadeaux’s—I thought it was just our usual tradition. He even threw me off by joking in the car, “What if your dad says no when I ask him if I can marry you?” (He’d already asked my dad earlier that day.) It was freezing that night, and as we hurried past “our spot,” I almost walked away—until I heard him say “wait!” I turned around, and there he was on one knee. We both teared up. I said yes. And of course, we kissed in that exact spot.

These days, our favorite things are pretty simple: playing with our dog, Meadow, watching movies, playing sports, hitting up arcades, going to church, cooking, building LEGO sets, and making fun of each other endlessly.

What I love most about him? He’s never once made me doubt his love. He’s the funniest guy I know, my best friend, and I’m so proud of the man he’s become—especially in building his relationship with God. I can’t wait to see him become a father someday.

What he loves most about me? That I’m strong, independent, and always chasing my dreams. He says I’m the person he can always count on.

K&C

Ceremony

Reception