Wesley and Grace first met on October 19, 2022, thanks to mutual friends who thought they would be perfect for each other. It wasn’t a blind date—they both knew who they were being set up with—but it still felt exciting. At a college soccer game, they started talking, and both were surprised at how natural and easy it was to open up to each other. Neither of them had ever dated before, but that night, they both sensed that something special was beginning.

Over the next couple of months, their friendship grew, and they became best friends. Wesley waited until Christmas to officially take Grace on their first date. Their college hosted an annual Christmas light outing in Chicago, and Wesley knew that was the perfect opportunity. He even called Grace’s dad to ask permission first. That date was magical, and from there their story as a couple began.

The following summer, in 2023, Wesley flew to New Mexico to visit Grace and ask her to be his girlfriend. Grace’s answer was an immediate and joyful “yes.” From that point forward, their relationship blossomed. They laughed together, made memories together, and little by little, fell in love.

Grace had been waiting for the day when they would finally say “I love you,” though she hoped Wesley would be the first. On May 6, 2024, Wesley planned a scavenger hunt through some beautiful gardens. At one of the stops, he left Grace a handwritten note, ending with the words, “I love you.” Grace’s heart lit up, and she immediately said the words back.

From then on, they both knew that the next stage would be engagement. After nearly three years of dating, Wesley planned to propose in August of 2025. But life has a way of surprising us. In June, Grace surprised Wesley by showing up at his house when he thought she was in Indiana. Inspired, Wesley decided that this was the moment.

He planned a date in Alexandria, Virginia, where they walked along the Potomac River, taking in the sights. Grace, captivated by the scenery, pulled out her phone to take pictures. When she turned around, she saw Wesley down on one knee. Stunned, she exclaimed, “WHAT?!” But quickly, the surprise turned to joy as he asked the question she had been waiting for: “Will you marry me?” With excitement and love overflowing, Grace said “yes.”

And that brings us here—the next chapter of their story, the sweetest one yet: the day they become husband and wife.

Q + A

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