Think back on that exciting time in childhood when everyone thinks they finally grew up – high school. Looking back as an adult, you realize it was only the beginning. Which is what makes this love story even more special. The opportunity to find “the one” when you are still finding yourself feels like a fairy tale. Yet sometimes reality is better than a fairy tale. Sometimes you find the love of your life young enough to grow up together. 

Jade and Ryan met their freshman year of high school. They hung out in the same circle of friends but never dared to date. Jade wouldn’t allow it – even though she did like him back. A girl’s gotta play a little hard to get, right? Not in this case. Her fear of ruining the relationship was too great. Jade’s distance and consistent denial did not discourage Ryan. The first time he met her, he knew in his heart that he was going to marry her.

Two drawn out years later, Ryan’s persistence and a case of perfect timing finally made it happen. Their relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend began. 

Early on in the relationship, Jade was at a mutual friend’s house when Ryan was unable to make it. All she could think about was how she wished they could be there together. That’s when Jade knew, Ryan was the one.

All that wishing and and all that persistence combined, paid off and lead Ryan and Jade to becoming that dream couple, high-school-sweethearts that are still crazy in love years later. However, Ryan had one more important question to ask Jade. He kicked off the next stage of their lives with a grand proposal. Ryan, not only filled the room with rose petals and photos of them throughout their relationship, but he also filled the room with Train’s, “Marry Me” as candles lit the room, spelling out his request, “marry me?”.

Being together in the same love-filled room, all those years later, I think we know what Jade said back. Here we are today celebrating their engagement.