Some love stories begin with a grand moment—ours began with a simple partnership. In 8th grade, we were paired as science partners, never imagining that this small moment would shape the rest of our lives. Before we even knew what love truly meant, we had already built the foundation for it—through friendship, laughter, and years of growing side by side. Looking back, we see the fingerprints of God in every step, guiding us, shaping us, and preparing us for the love we now share.

As life unfolded, so did our connection. We met before we had everything figured out, before the rush of adulthood, before the world expected us to know who we were becoming. Yet, in the midst of all that change, we always had each other. Through high school, we faced the unexpected—navigating a world that didn’t always go as planned (Covid). When prom was canceled, we created our own celebration. When graduation kept getting moved, we chose to mark the milestone in the sky—crossing one finish line while soaring toward the next.

Corbin has always been the adventurous one, constantly seeking the next thrill. Paoli, on the other hand, is the one who likes to weigh the risks—until, of course, she finds herself jumping off a bridge just to keep up. We’ve always balanced each other out, growing as individuals while never growing apart. Our love has never been about perfection, but about persistence—the willingness to choose each other every single day.

Through it all, our story has been written with patience, laughter, and unwavering faith. When college and the Army took us down different paths, we found strength in every letter, every phone call, and every quiet moment of waiting. We learned that love isn’t just about being together—it’s about standing by each other even when miles apart. As we’ve grown—through university and life’s challenges—we’ve only fallen deeper in love with the person we first met all those years ago.

Now, we step into this next chapter, not just as the kids who met in 8th grade, but as two people who have built something extraordinary. A love that has been tested and strengthened, a friendship that has only deepened, a bond that is both grand and unwavering.

And on this day, we are honored to celebrate this love with the people who have been part of our journey all along.