The very first time our paths crossed, we were just kids. Connor was nine years old, playing on the same baseball team as my brother. What I didn’t know then was that he already had a little crush on me. Over the years, I would see him here and there, but we never really talked—until a Christmas party in eighth grade. That night, we finally had our first real conversation, and even though I was completely oblivious to the idea that a boy might actually like me, something had begun.

The very next morning, Connor texted me for the first time. Unfortunately for him, I only checked my phone about once a week. A couple of days later, I finally responded, thinking I was being quick. As Connor tells the story, he had been sitting in a deer stand, anxiously checking his phone and waiting for a reply all morning.

From that moment on, we talked every day. Technically, we were just “friends,” but in reality, we were both too nervous to admit we liked each other. Instead, we came up with excuses to text—like beating each other’s high scores in games, which turned into hours of playful competition, just so we’d have another reason to talk.

At school, our classes were different, and we only passed each other in the hallway once a day. But that tiny moment—me calling out, “Hey, Connor!” with a big smile—was the highlight we both looked forward to. Believe it or not, Connor was the shy one back then.

After four months of friendship, Connor finally worked up the courage to ask me to be his girlfriend on April 7, 2013. I was over the moon. He was cute, smart, athletic, and kind—and somehow he was mine. Those weekends together quickly became the best part of my week, and they still are to this day.

Now, twelve years later, we’ve grown up side by side. We’ve built a life we love, and we’ve become a part of each other’s families. As we step into this next chapter as husband and wife, we can’t wait to celebrate with all of you—the people who have loved and supported us along the way.