It all started with a chance connection through the Army Reserve. Jade was living in Baton Rouge, diving headfirst into work and nursing school at FranU, while Aaron was working and living in Fort Walton Beach. Though they were miles apart, fate had its own plans—bringing them together through the same Reserve unit.


After only a couple of brief conversations, Aaron asked for Jade’s contact info. (Bold move!) What started as casual messages quickly turned into something more. Weekend after weekend, Aaron made the drive to Baton Rouge to spend time together, and Jade took a trip to Florida, where they shared their first beach adventures, sunset strolls, and plenty of laughs.


When the semester ended, nursing school in Baton Rouge had Aaron & Jade thinking about a change—and Florida was calling. With a leap of faith (and a hopeful heart), she applied to schools in Aaron’s area. Weeks later, she got the good news: she was in. Jade made the move, and together they built a new chapter in Fort Walton Beach. They adopted their first kitty, Tookie, and spent their days exploring natural springs, kayaking, chasing sunsets, sampling sweet treats, and discovering hidden gems.


As Jade started the clinical portion of nursing school—commuting an hour and a half to Pensacola—life threw them another opportunity. Aaron landed a new job, and with it came the freedom to move. Pensacola became their next home. They added a second kitty, Yoda, to their growing little family, and once again fell in love with their surroundings—new restaurants, beach walks, and weekend adventures never got old.


After a year and a half of dedication and hard work, Jade graduated from nursing school, passed her boards, and officially became a nurse at a local hospital. Aaron found his stride in a new remote job and gained many certifications, and in June, they bought their very first home together.


From long-distance beginnings to building a life side by side, their story has been filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of heart. They can’t wait to begin this next chapter—together, forever.