It all began in the summer before 9th grade, when a few mutual friends introduced us. Conner was attending Prattville Christian Academy, and I was at Stanhope Elmore High School. We went on a few sweet high school dates, including one unforgettable trip to the local movie theatre in Prattville where I gave Conner his very first kiss.

Life took us in different directions, but we stayed close friends all through high school and beyond. Even after moving away from Prattville, we never lost touch. In 2016, we reconnected and started dating again—it felt like no time had passed. We spent three wonderful years together, growing closer and building a strong bond.

In 2019, we both made the decision to go back to college. As we began this new chapter, we mutually decided to focus on our individual goals and prioritize our friendship. Through it all, we remained close—always cheering each other on and supporting one another every step of the way.

We went to college side by side at the University of Montevallo and earned our degrees just one semester apart. I was there cheering him on at his graduation, and he was there proudly cheering me on at mine. We’ve always been each other’s biggest fans.

Then came my 30th birthday—a trip to Mystic Falls (aka Covington, GA, for the Vampire Diaries fans out there) with friends. One long, magical night of heart-to-hearts and future dreams later, we finally confessed what we had both known deep down all along: we were still in love. We officially started dating again soon after.

"After all this time?" "Always." – J.K. Rowling

A year later, Conner brought everything full circle with a romantic proposal at our special spot—the river bridge in downtown Prattville, the same place we used to visit back when our love first blossomed. Many days and late nights were spent there together imagining what life would be like.

Now here we are, planning our wedding, and so excited to begin this next chapter—marrying our best friend and continuing the love story we’ve been writing for years.

I gave him his first kiss… and now, he’ll give me my last.