Alex and Landon traveled to Orlando, Florida for a summer internship at Disneyworld in 2015. Throughout that summer, they spent their time growing closer together while sharing unforgettable memories with friends along the way. They both knew the summer would come to an end and they’d have to go back to Pennsylvania and Illinois, but they both wanted to pursue a long-distance relationship. Throughout their fourth year of college, their loving relationship grew and their bond was reaffirmed after each long-distance visit.

Alex and Landon both were fortunate to be accepted into a Master's program in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2016 and were finally able to be together again! Their love and bond was solidified during that busy year, but they both knew that they wanted to pursue terminal degrees in the years after. Unfortunately, the most fitting programs for Alex and Landon resulted in a another 7-hour, long distance relationship for four years. They both knew their journey would be far from easy, but knew it was the best choice in the long term. As another test to their relationship, they said their goodbyes in Summer 2017 and set off on their 4-year journey through their PhD studies.

Alex and Landon were extremely busy in their doctoral studies, but managed to balance and see each other about once a month. Their trips would consist of weekend visits halfway between Georgia and Virginia (usually Charlotte, NC), summer conference travels across the United States, or trips back to each others’ homes during holiday breaks. The distance was tricky, but made their love grow stronger. In fact, Alex starting dropping some “subtle” hints that her left ring finger felt "awfully light", which Landon would always play off. Little did Alex know, Landon had something big in the works.

From October 1st-6th 2019, Alex traveled to a conference in Amsterdam for the week. Throughout her trip, Alex kept trying to touch base with Landon, but Landon wouldn't answer her phone calls. Meanwhile, Landon had secretly traveled to Amsterdam on his own and was keeping a low profile to surprise her. After the conference, Alex headed out to dinner with friends who insisted on stopping at the famous Magere Brug (“Lover's Bridge”) on their way to eat. As they walked along, Alex looked over and told her friends, "Hey, that guy looks like Landon!" about a hooded figure on the bridge, and low and behold, it was! He pulled her over, and after her initial shock of continually asking "what are you doing here??" he got down on one knee, and asked her to marry him! They spent the rest of the weekend in Amsterdam celebrating with friends and colleagues, and the rest is history.