It all started in high school—back when we were in eighth and ninth grade. We were just two teenagers navigating the halls, unaware of how our paths would cross again years later. Though we lost touch after graduation, we managed to stay good friends, sharing laughs and memories across the years.

Then, March of 2020 happened. The world was in chaos, but in the middle of the uncertainty, fate had other plans for us. We reconnected, and the timing felt nothing short of serendipitous. As the world was slowing down, we found ourselves slowing down together, rediscovering the joy of each other's company.

I’ll never forget the moment when Simon, standing in front of his dad's house, turned to me and asked, "So, you wanna date?" It might seem like a simple question, but to me, it felt like the perfect beginning of a new chapter. I knew in that instant that I wanted to say yes, and I knew that this was going to be something special. That moment—spontaneous, honest, and full of hope—has stayed with me as my favorite memory of us.

From that moment on, life was an adventure. We faced the ups and downs together, supporting each other through everything. We traveled to new places, like the buzzing streets of Vegas, and I had the chance to take Simon back to my hometown, where we celebrated spectacular weddings with friends and family. Every experience, big or small, made our bond stronger and deeper.

Then came the day Simon proposed. We were at Irvines, my favorite western store, surrounded by some of the people I love most. It was a moment filled with laughter, excitement, and so much love—everything that felt so us. The proposal was a beautiful reflection of our journey: unexpected, heartfelt, and surrounded by the people who matter most.

As I look ahead, I can’t wait to continue building a life together. I’m excited to work side by side with Simon to create the future we’ve always dreamed of. Together, we’ve already built something so meaningful, and I know that the best is yet to come.