Tate and I actually grew up in the same town, but we went to different high schools. I always kind of knew who he was—small towns have a way of keeping everyone loosely connected—but we never really got to know each other back then.

Fast forward a few years: I had just finished pharmacy school, Tate was working locally in New Albany, and somehow fate (and a dating app!) brought us together! Neither of us could’ve guessed that a few swipes would lead us here, but our first date on Cinco de Mayo at a local Mexican restaurant changed everything. We laughed, we talked for hours, and I left thinking, “Wow, this feels different.”

From the very beginning, Tate has been steady, kind, thoughtful, and one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met. He’s also incredibly self-sufficient (even if I still insist on helping). He makes me feel so loved and safe—and somehow still manages to surprise me, even when I’m trying to figure everything out!

I like to think I’m pretty curious by nature, so keeping a secret from me isn’t easy—but Tate pulled it off. He started planning the proposal way back in February 2025, and I had no idea. It was perfect, and so him—sweet, sincere, and full of intention.

Our story might have taken a while to begin, but I wouldn’t change a single thing. I’m so grateful for the way our paths finally aligned, and I can’t wait to spend forever with him.