Our story is different from most because we have known each other a large portion of each other's lives. We met at the ages of 10 and 11 in the fifth grade at Herald Elementary. We shared the same teacher and quickly were drawn to each other and became each others first "boyfriend" and "girlfriend". Mia was actually the water girl for Trase's football team in the sixth grade. We remained friends throughout middle school and then Trase left Collinsville in the 8th grade and made his way to Broken Arrow.

We stayed somewhat in contact throughout high school and almost lost contact completely by Senior year. We both went to college in different states (Oklahoma State University/Abilene Christian University). We came back into contact at some point through social media around the fall of 2020. We saw each other for the first time in person on Spring Break the following year at Mia's grandparent's cabin at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. We stayed in contact following that meeting until Trase eventually asked Mia out to hangout at Cycle 66 or "Cry Baby Hill" to watch the bike races with a couple of friends in Tulsa, OK. It was a 100+ degree day and we walked 2 miles up hill to find the location (if you've been to this bike race before you understand). We like to joke that this was our first date even though the conditions were miserable. However, we had a fun time and agreed to go on a second date on Trase's birthday a few weeks later mini golfing. We spent the whole time talking and laughing not actually paying attention to the game even though Mia won. At this point the relationship moved very quickly and we made it official on August 21, 2021. Trase asked Mia out under a gazebo close to Pittsburg State's football field with a charcuterie board/flowers/painting with a little help to one of the groomsmen Noah Hernandez.

We did long distance for about 9 months while Mia finished up her senior year at Oklahoma State University and Trase continued his education and football career at Pitt State. We went back and forth to each other every weekend. The weekends were short and the week days were long throughout the 9 months. Upon graduation Mia moved to Pittsburg, KS with Trase and started teaching in Joplin, MO. This is where we both started the rest of our lives together supporting one another and navigating adulthood.

The proposal took place on Christmas Day of 2022 at Mia's mom's house. It was a complete surprise and was only put into motion within 24 hours of Trase asking Mia's family for permission. We woke up and opened presents and shortly after there was a knock at the door. Here we found Trase's family standing there early Christmas morning. Trase at this time ran off to grab the ring and by the time Mia reached the living room he was down on one knee asking the big question. Many tears followed and obviously "YES!". Keep in mind at this time the couple were both in pajamas, Mia had not had her nails done, and bed head. This was the only way it could stay a secret. After the engagement we went to all of our families Christmases and close friends houses to share the news.

The wedding planning began shortly after the engagement due to the fact we were planning a wedding 2 hours away. During this time our fur baby Meatball joined us and made us a family of three. Finally, here we are with all of you waiting eagerly to spend our special day together in a couple weeks!