Jake and I first met during my sophomore year of college. He’s two years older than me, and from the beginning I remember thinking how funny he was and how great his personality was. What started as a friendship quickly became an important part of both of our lives. For three years we were close friends, getting to know each other and building the kind of connection that only grows stronger over time.

Eventually our friendship turned into something more, and when we finally started dating, it felt completely natural. Because we had known each other for so long, I already knew how special he was to me. Honestly, by the time we started dating, I was already in love with him.

Our first date was simple but perfect. We went to a restaurant, sat outside by the water, and spent hours just talking and enjoying being together. That night really set the tone for our relationship. Some of our favorite moments are still the simplest ones—relaxing together, watching movies, going on little adventures, and talking about our days.

One of the things I love most about Jake is how caring and kind he is. He is incredibly funny, a great listener, and he knows me so well that he can tell exactly how I’m feeling without me even saying a word. He truly is my calm in the storm.

After three years of dating (and six years of friendship), Jake proposed during my parents’ Christmas party out on their dock. I had a feeling it might be coming and jokingly told him, “The sun is going down, it’s time!” When it finally happened, I was just overwhelmed with excitement. I had been waiting for that moment for so long and couldn’t believe I was getting engaged to the love of my life.

We are so excited for this next chapter together. We can’t wait to build a family, grow together, and continue sharing life side by side.

It makes our wedding even more special that we will be getting married at my parents’ home—the same place where Jake proposed. Knowing we’ll always be able to come back and relive that moment makes it incredibly meaningful to us.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to this: we started as friends, fell in love, and now I get to marry my best friend.