Our story began in the most unassuming way, nestled in the third row of a high school production graphics class, where our seats were assigned alphabetically. Michael wishes our tale had a more dazzling beginning, but I've always loved the happenstance that brought us together.

On that first day of our sophomore year, there we were, separated by just one seat, in what would become the most unforgettable class of my high school experience. As the days passed, our seats became a stage for an unlikely quartet of friends, and I found myself drawn to the charming blonde boy two seats away. When the class shifted to photography, the universe played its hand. Our classmate who sat between us was absent, and Michael and I were paired together. Thus began our adventure—exploring parks, roaming the school, and capturing the most wonderfully terrible photos.

Though my intrigue for Michael grew with each passing day, it wasn’t until a fateful afternoon by the creek behind our school that I realized I was in deep. Balancing on a rock to snap a dramatic photo of the water, I stumbled, and Michael caught me in a moment that felt like something out of a fairy tale. It's a memory Michael famously doesn’t recall, but for me, it was spellbinding. Later that week, mustering all my courage, I asked him to homecoming with a photo of a poster I had secretly prepared. It was the bravest thing I have ever done.

True to his romantic nature, Michael ensured our story continued with a flourish. A few weeks after homecoming, he orchestrated an elaborate scavenger hunt, involving teachers, friends, and clues spread throughout the school day. When I reached our class, though, my heart sank—Michael was nowhere to be seen. But my disappointment vanished when, while out taking photos, I stumbled upon him holding a poster that proclaimed his love.

From then on, our story unfolded with its share of highs and lows, but always with incredible adventures in between. We graduated high school, went to college together, adopted a couple of fish, and bought a charming little house we could call our own. The only thing left to make it perfect was a ring on my finger.

In April 2023, after months of meticulous planning, Michael and I set off on what I believed to be a trip to London. His usual precision in planning was shrouded in secrecy this time, and while I tried to manage my expectations, I hoped with all my heart for a special surprise.

Our London adventure was everything I could have dreamt of. We marveled at the crown jewels, built LEGO mini figures, and indulged in tiny Buckingham Palace cakes during afternoon tea. But just before dinner on our second night, Michael informed me, in the heart of a bustling plaza, that we were actually boarding a train to Paris. Overwhelmed with excitement, I burst into tears, completely lost in the magic of the moment.

We arrived in Paris late, with a packed schedule for the following day. Michael had orchestrated our 48 hours in France down to the finest detail. We explored The Louvre, ascended the Arc de Triomphe, and savored countless croissants. After a much-needed nap, we made our way to the Eiffel Tower. I, ever hopeful but oblivious, assumed we were heading to dinner. But in the beautiful Champ de Mars gardens, Michael dropped to one knee and, with a question in his eyes that I already knew the answer to, made my dreams come true. It was the most enchanting scene I could have ever imagined.

And so, here we are. When I first met Michael, I was fiercely attached to my last name. It was how my coaches knew me, it was on my favorite t-shirts, and it placed me next to a very adorable blonde boy. Little did I know, that was the last day I wanted to hold onto my last name. From that moment on, despite everything I previously thought, the only last name I desired was his.

And now, it’s finally here.

Sincerely,

The Future Mrs. Livermore