Connect How did your love story begin?

We’re non-traditional high school sweethearts who met working retail. Two old souls, not looking for love until we found an undeniable spark. On our first date, he waited for me with a single rose in hand🌹, and we strolled beneath the moonlight by the river, on our way to the movies like something out of a love story. We eloped at 19, proving love doesn’t follow rules. Almost 10 years later, we’re still inseparably growing, laughing, loving. Ours is a quiet kind of forever💖.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

🐾One of our favorite memories as a couple was adopting our dog Jax, from the shelter. My husband had never had a dog before, while I had grown up with many pets. I wanted him to choose the one that felt right for him. We agreed on medium dog, but Jax was our gentle giant. From the moment we brought him home, we couldn’t believe such a polite, handsome soul had ever been left behind. We fell in love instantly with Jax, and even more with the life we were building together. The rest was history.

What would you do with $20,000?

This blessing would bring to life not just our dream, but the American dream our families poured their hopes and hard work into for us. We've put ourselves through college and have spent years saving for a home of our own. This would be our down payment chance to give our fur babies a backyard to play in and create a warm, welcoming space for loved ones to visit and stay. It’s more than a house it’s the start of our forever.