We met in May 2024 in Starkville. If you had told me that a random night out would turn into forever, I would’ve laughed.

It wasn’t dramatic. Just friends, normal plans, and apparently Cooper going home telling people he had just met the love of his life. (Bold move.)

We went a few months without seeing or talking to each other — little did we know, life had other plans.

That fall, I spotted Cooper’s name on Snapchat and decided to add him.

One simple click changed everything. Daily snaps turned into late-night conversations. Late-night conversations turned into actual plans. And somewhere between movie nights, long drives to the Delta just to see each other for less than 24 hours, and our “first real date” at Amerigo’s, it became clear this was different.

From the beginning, we balanced each other.

He’s the planner.

I’m the “let’s book it at 4 p.m.” energy.

He calls me every morning.

He drives everywhere without complaint. I bring the personality — and yes, “you’re funny” is still my favorite compliment.

What made it different wasn’t one big moment. It was how easy it felt. The quiet nights. The effortless conversations. The way we naturally fit into each other’s lives. The Anthony family felt like home. And somewhere along the way, it just felt right.

When Cooper proposed, I was genuinely surprised — the kind of surprised where your brain stops working, and all you can do is smile and YELL YES. It was simple, and perfectly us.

One thing has always stayed constant. We choose each other—every day! Now we’re excited for spontaneous plans (and actual planned plans, thanks to him), travel, laughter, and whatever comes next — powered by my personality and his patience.

Turns out that random night in Starkville wasn’t so random after all.