Like most modern love stories, theirs began with the ancient ritual of swiping right on Hinge. Austin somehow managed to craft a profile compelling enough to catch Alexa's attention (probably the cool photos playing saxophone), and soon they found themselves meeting at Cafe Rhema in Flint for what would either be a delightful first date or material for their future stand-up comedy careers.

Spoiler alert: it was delightful.

What started as coffee quickly evolved into long walks where Alexa discovered her true calling: lovingly talking Austin's ear off about everything and nothing. Austin, with his endless patience and genuine interest, not only listened to every word but fell in love with Alexa's passionate way of seeing the world. Meanwhile, Austin's kindness to everyone he meets , from baristas to strangers on the street, shows Alexa daily what a beautiful heart looks like in action. Bob, their wonderful cat who has since passed, quickly became their biggest supporter and the unofficial mascot of their love story.

As their relationship blossomed, they developed an elaborate nickname system that would make SpongeBob SquarePants proud. Austin became Squiddy (still working on whether this is a compliment), and Alexa became Sponge, though they promise it's because of her absorbent listening skills and not because she lives in a pineapple under the sea.

Then came the moment that proved they were meant to be: THE GREAT LOVE LETTER COINCIDENCE OF 2022. As Alexa prepared to leave for an out-of-state travel nursing contract, both of them independently decided this was the perfect time to pour their hearts onto paper. Same night. Same plan. Same romantic gesture.

When they both pulled out handwritten love letters at the exact same moment, they realized they were either soulmates or equally terrible at planning. They're going with soulmates. In that moment, declaring their love felt like the most natural thing in the world because it was exactly what their hearts were ready to say (and apparently, what their brains were ready to overthink in letter form).

After Alexa returned, Austin began secretly planning the world's most thoughtful proposal. While Alexa poured her heart into her nursing career, Austin was painstakingly designing the perfect ring: one that would represent all the love and dreams they'd built together. In November 2024, he got down on one knee and asked the question both their hearts already knew the answer to.

She said yes, with tears of joy and laughter. Even Bob seemed to celebrate from home (probably by knocking something off a table in their honor, as cats do when they're moved by romance).

Now here they are, ready to promise forever to each other in front of all the people who matter most to them. They can't wait to celebrate this next chapter of their love story with everyone, where Austin will continue listening to every word Alexa says with the same wonder as day one, and Alexa will continue being amazed by Austin's beautiful heart. As a family of four Austin, Alexa and their two kitties, Porter and Stout!

They're still Squiddy and Sponge, still taking those long walks, and still believing in the magic of two people who somehow found exactly what they were looking for in each other.

Here's to a lifetime of love letters, endless conversations, and being perfectly ridiculous together. Austin and Alexa can't wait to celebrate this amazing journey with all of you at their wedding!