It all began as a high school crush. I still remember the butterflies I would get when I would see him in the hallway and the nights where I sat up wondering why he seemed to like me out of all the other girls.

I laugh now when I think back to how childish the young love was and how shy I once was around him. (I can tell you that for sure isn't the case anymore.)

I should probably slow down here though. I didn't make it easy for Phillip. Actually it took him six months before I really gave him a chance, but it wasn't because I didn't like him.

I just knew liking him my senior year of high school wouldn't be easy with college on the horizon. I also knew that if this worked out that he was going to be my first boyfriend, and the thought of a potential heartbreak was not something I wanted to think about.

However, Phillip was determined and that was and is something I admire about him. He knew he wanted me and didn't give up and I am grateful every day for that. He asked me to every single dance our senior year and seemed to pull me in closer and closer every time.

I finally let my guard down in March of 2018 and the start of forever officially began. It seemed so easy back, especially since all we had to really worry about was Phillip making it home in time for curfew.

However, I soon left for college at Central Michigan University and things got a lot more serious. I couldn't see Phillip whenever I wanted, and I really missed him.

I know it's silly, but being hours away from your person at 18 was hard. But that never seemed to stop us from working. Phillip made sure to visit me as often as he could and always made sure I knew he was there for me.

Those college years are what made me realize that what we have is truly forever. We not only grew up with each other, but we grew together into the people we are today.

After college, we moved into our apartment and soon added our dog, Lucy, to our very small family.

Fast forward to August 2023 and Phillip took a knee and proposed. It was an easy yes (actually I took the ring out of the box and put it on my own finger because I was so ready.)

We purchased our beautiful home soon after that and we are now ready for what this next chapter looks like for us. It's crazy how much can happen in seven years.

I am who I am because of the support and love that Phillip has and will always give me. We may have started our love story young, but I always knew it was him.

Now the day that we have always talked about is almost here. I'm ready for it and I hope you all are too!

We can't wait to see all of you very soon!

- The future Mrs. Pelland

Registry