Surprisingly, Jared and I have actually gone to school together since the 8th grade. We knew of each other all throughout high school but never really spoke. According to Jared, he actually had a crush on me in high school but never had the courage to speak up about it.

We ended up exchanging socials at a going away party of a mutual friend of ours at the time. Still, never really spoke much after for some reason.

A couple years go by, i am freshly out of a relationship. Jared messaged me, complimenting me on a picture i had posted that day. We ended up exchanging numbers and began texting. One night, Jared facetimes me randomly and I decide to answer. We ended up on that call for over 3 hours just rambling to each other and getting to know the other more.
We found out we have a lot in common and our families are actually pretty meshed as he grew up with multiple of my cousins and we never paid attention to that. Small word.

With me being freshly out of a relationship, Jared showed me so much understanding and patience. Jared and I stayed friends until I was ready. Jared never pushed it.

A little over two years later, Jared plans a random trip to Gatlinburg. I never thought anything of it because I had mentioned that I had never been to Gatlinburg before. So I thought he was being cute and planning a first time trip for me. Turns out he was planning the engagement! I was SHOCKED he kept it a secret because if anyone knows Jared, you know that man loves to yap. Jared picked out my dream ring and even planned for a surprise photographer when he proposed. <3

Here we are, a few years later, finally doing the dang thing. We are excited to continue our life together. 2025 is a big year for us. Got a house in June and now getting married!!