Our story began in July 2012, when we were both seventeen and attending a leadership camp called CGTI in Illinois. It was one of those classic moments where you spot someone across the room and feel an instant connection. I remember the first time I saw Shae—his big blue eyes, his smile, and that infectious energy that seemed to light up the entire room.

Over the course of that week, we grew close and developed a deep friendship. But as the camp came to an end, we returned to our lives in Highland and Pawnee, and while we stayed in touch intermittently, our paths led us separate ways.

Fast forward to July 2020, Shae reached out to reconnect. We picked up right where we had left off, as if no time had passed at all. We spent as much time together as possible. When we weren’t together, we were on the phone for hours, face-timing, or playing games together.

By June 2021, our friendship had blossomed into a real relationship. It was during Father's Day weekend that I had some big news for Shae—he was going to become a dad. We moved in together, eager to start this new chapter of our lives as a family.

In February 2022, we welcomed our perfect little boy, Kelby. He filled our lives with joy and made our family feel complete.

The following April, we celebrated our birthdays together. On April 23rd, Shae "planned" a special surprise for me. Around 11 pm, he handed me a note and started a scavenger hunt around the house. The final note read "turn around," and there was Shae on one knee, holding a ring. Shae couldn't wait any longer to propose.

After several years together and our final addition, Aurelia, we feel complete! With our little family of 5, we are excited to officially "tie the knot" and celebrate our love for one another, surrounded by the love and support of our friends and family.