Some love stories start with a grand gesture, a chance meeting, or a whirlwind romance. Ours? Well, it started in the fourth grade.

We grew up together, walking the same hallways, attending the same schools, and sharing mutual friends. But despite spending all those years in the same circles, we never really connected—probably because BJ was (and still is) the quiet one, while Victoria... well, she’s definitely not!

Life took us in different directions after high school and college. Victoria set off for an adventure in the Virgin Islands, while BJ stayed in Virginia to build his career in finance. But fate had other plans. Or, more accurately—Victoria’s best friend Casey had other plans. Knowing Victoria had always thought BJ was cute, Casey played the ultimate wingwoman, inviting BJ to The Ashburn Pub on one of Victoria’s visits home. That night, something just clicked.

Victoria had been thinking about moving back to the states, but she needed a reason. She found that in BJ. Almost four years later, on Valentine’s Day, in the most intimate and perfect way, BJ proposed in our kitchen—just the two of us and our two cats, Jace and Jack.

Now, we can’t wait to start this next chapter together, surrounded by the love and laughter of our incredible family and friends.