We met when we were just 14 and 16 — a freshman and a junior in high school who had no idea that a teenage love story would turn into a forever kind of love. What started in 2017 as hallway smiles and young butterflies quickly became something steady, deep, and lasting. While so much of life has changed since then, one thing never has: we’ve chosen each other every single day.

Over the years, we’ve grown up side by side. From high school memories to building careers — me becoming a nurse and him building his path as a welder — we’ve supported each other through every season. Through every obstacle and every milestone, we’ve been each other’s constant.

Somewhere along the way, our little family grew, too. My Boykin Spaniel, Stella Rose, and his chocolate Lab, Sprig, quickly became our “kids” — filling our lives with muddy paw prints, wagging tails, and more love than we ever imagined. They’ve been there for cozy nights in, weekend adventures, and every sweet, ordinary moment in between.

Now at 23 and 25, we look back at the teenagers who fell in love and feel so grateful they held on. What began as young love has grown into a partnership rooted in loyalty, strength, and unwavering support. After all these years, we’re still best friends — and we can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives building, dreaming, and growing together. Our forever started in 2017, and this is just the beginning.