Our story technically starts in 6th grade, back when cooties were still a very real concern and the cafeteria was the place to see and be seen. Casey and I were classmates, then friends… and for a whole two weeks in 7th grade, we were “dating.” And by dating, I mean we sat next to each other at lunch.

I’ll never forget the day he tried to kiss me, I panicked, ran to the school bus, and broke up with him on the spot. (In my defense, I was positive boys still had cooties.)

Despite our dramatic middle school romance, we stayed friends through the years. Then, during my senior year of high school, I moved away and thought that was the end. Fast forward two years, out of all the towns in the world, Casey ended up getting a job in the very same place I was going to college. Coincidence? Fate? Either way, we reconnected, and it didn’t take long before we both realized this time was different.

That was five and a half years ago. Since then, we’ve been through long-distance, demanding schedules, continuing education, and everything else life decided to throw at us. And we’ve come out stronger, every single time.

One night that I’ll never forget, we were supposed to go on a double date. But it started pouring rain, so we took cover in the truck and played every song about rain that we could think of until it cleared up. That was the night I fell in love with Casey.

The proposal? Pure Casey. He told me we were going on a dove hunt, but really, he had gathered our closest friends and family. While we were posing for a picture in the field, he got down on one knee. It was perfect, simple, genuine, and full of love.

There are so many things I love about Casey: his sense of humor, his patience, how easy he is to talk to, and how we can always work things out with just one conversation. I love how deeply he cares about his family, his quiet strength, and how his faith has grown so beautifully over the years.

We’ve known each other for most of our lives. But this part—this chapter—feels like the real beginning. And I can’t wait to spend forever writing the rest of it with him.

John 15:12

"My command is this; Love each other as I have loved you."