We first connected on Facebook Dating in March 2020 and met up for our very first date on March 7th at a local pool hall. What started as a quick game of pool turned into over three hours of nonstop conversation and laughter. By the end of the night, my cheeks actually hurt from smiling so much. When I got home, I told my roommate (now bridesmaid!) Anna that I liked him so much, I was sure I’d never hear from him again.

Luckily, I was wrong.

The next morning, I woke up to the sweetest good morning message, and we made plans to see each other again. Just a few weeks later, the world shut down due to COVID—and from that moment on, we’ve been inseparable.

Even before we ever said “I love you,” we had a phrase that said it all: “You’re my favorite.” It’s how we still tell each other that there’s no one else we’d rather go through life with.

In our first year together, we road-tripped to Niagara Falls, West Virginia, and so many other incredible places. Since then, we’ve been on more adventures than we can count. On one unforgettable trip to Idaho, Brandon proposed in Yellowstone National Park. I was busy snapping photos of the scenery, not realizing that Brandon was setting up a GoPro and preparing a song he had written just for me. When he got down on one knee, I was completely surprised—and I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough!

It was a magical moment, and the perfect start to this next chapter of our lives.

We met during one of the most unexpected and transformative times in my life. I had just wrapped up my first year as a business owner,

trying to navigate the chaos and uncertainty that came with the world beginning to shut down due to COVID. Everything felt unstable,

except for one night — the night I met Ann-Kathryn.

I went on a date with her, not expecting much, but left completely captivated. She was witty, brilliant, and stunning.

I had a fantastic time, and before I knew it, we were seeing more and more of each other. Then, as the pandemic deepened, so did our bond.

While I kept telling myself I wasn’t looking to get into a relationship, I also knew I would deeply regret not seeing where this connection could lead.

Ann-Kathryn has always had this adventurous spirit. Whether it was a spontaneous trip to the French Quarter during lockdown to see the eerily

quiet streets, or when I casually mentioned a visit to a friend in West Virginia and she was already in the car, ready to roll — she was always

up for it. Some of my favorite memories with her are the simplest: just driving, talking for hours, asking each other questions about life, about

ourselves, laughing, and falling deeper into something that felt incredibly right.

She’s become my calm in the storm. She loves me in this quiet, constant way — supportive of my chaotic work life, never making me feel guilty for

the hours I pour into my business. When stress has me completely overwhelmed, her voice on the other end of the line makes everything feel manageable.

She’s my favorite — no doubt about it.

On our second anniversary, she surprised me with a song written just for me. It was hands down the sweetest, most thoughtful gift anyone had ever given me.

We had plans to travel to Idaho for a family wedding, and I quietly decided that on the way home, I’d propose. I didn’t know how or where yet, but I’d

figure it out. Then, on the drive there, I realized we’d be passing through Yellowstone National Park. Just like that, I had my spot. I already had a

song written for the occasion — a little part of the plan tucked away, waiting for the right moment.

Idaho was a whirlwind of fun and nerves. What started as a secret known only to her mom quickly spread through the whole family by the end of the wedding.

There were so many close calls — near-spoilers that almost ruined the surprise — but somehow, we made it through.

Driving into Yellowstone, I still hadn’t picked the exact spot, and that brought its own kind of stress. I had to usher her past all the gift shops —

a Herculean task since she loves exploring every nook and cranny of them — and finally, I found it. A quiet, beautiful spot with the perfect backdrop.

I set up the GoPro, pretending we were just taking pictures, then handed her the headphones and asked her to listen to the song I’d prepared.

And as it ended, I dropped to one knee and asked her to marry me.

She said yes.

So here we are, looking ahead to a lifetime of shared adventures, inside jokes, car rides, support through the storms, and quiet moments filled with love.

I couldn’t be more grateful — she's my favorite.