Our story began somewhere neither of us expected, at Chick-fil-A, a place neither of us would imagined would play a role in the rest of our lives.

We were both working there when, at the same time, life placed us on the same path. We were promoted into management together, one of us leading the front of the house, the other leading the back. Day after day, shift after shift, we had to communicate, coordinate, and trust one another. What started as work conversations slowly became moments we both looked forward to, even if neither of us realized yet that something special was unfolding.

One night after work changed everything.

I needed a ride home, and Ivy offered to take me. What was supposed to be a simple 15-minute drive turned into hours of talking, laughing, and opening our hearts, sitting outside my house until 4:00 in the morning. Time disappeared. The world felt quiet. We talked as if we had known each other our entire lives. The connection was effortless, deep, and undeniable. In those few hours, Ivy made me feel a way I had never felt before, seen, understood, and completely at peace. Right there, in that moment, I knew my life had just changed. I knew I wanted to be more than just friends.

So we took a chance.

We decided to truly get to know each other, letting our friendship turn into something beautiful. On January 16th, we officially became boyfriend and girlfriend, and from that day on, nothing felt the same in the best way possible.

Not long after, we did something a little crazy, and we started traveling together after barely knowing each other. But somehow, it felt right. From Miami to spontaneous zoo trips, unforgettable concerts, the mountains of Gatlinburg, the magic of Orlando, and the bright lights of New York, we collected memories that felt like a lifetime wrapped into a single year. Every trip, every laugh, every late-night conversation only made our bond stronger.

After our first year together, filled with love, adventure, growth, and countless memories, I knew without a doubt that Ivy was the person I wanted beside me for the rest of my life. She pushes me to be the biggest, baddest version of myself. She supports me and believes in me, especially during the moments when I struggle to believe in myself. She’s strong, honest, and fearless, never afraid to call me out or give me a loving smack on the head when I need it most.

Together, we made the decision to go back to school and pursue our dream careers. Even at such a young age, without having all the answers or knowing exactly what life would throw our way, we always found a way to make it through, hand in hand, side by side. We grew together, learned together, and chose each other every single day.

My love for you continues to grow deeper with every passing day. You inspire me, challenge me, and make me want to be better, not just for myself, but for us. I want you to be the mother of my children and the woman I am endlessly blessed to call my wife.

I have never felt more blessed by the Lord above, who placed not just the love of my life into this world, but also my best friend, my mentor, my teacher, and my greatest blessing. Ivy, you are my safe place, my home, and my forever.

I thank God for you every day, and I ask Him to continue blessing us as we grow, in love, in faith, and in life, so that we may grow old together and be an example of what true love, commitment, and partnership look like.

I love you with all my heart, today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life.