It all started with a swipe and a knock as Alivia and Alex met one Saturday in April. We had our first date at the Botanical Gardens, Chicken Salad Chick, and Chops Grille in Athens, GA. Things truly clicked from the first moment we spent together and we had no clue how special April 2023 would be. We began to spend every weekend together, even as we were 2 1/2 hours apart, laughing, going on adventures, meeting each other's families, eating good food, watching movies, going on date nights and so much more. There were fears as we both knew that Alex would be leaving soon as he had gotten stationed in Fort Meade, Maryland only 2 months after we began dating. However, time would show that no matter the distance our love would not falter. Instead, it taught us how to show up for each other no matter the circumstance, to fight for each moment, to love each other through many miles, to set time for each other, and to savor every minute we were able to be together. Through the upcoming years, we got to celebrate birthdays, graduations, special moments, promotions, awards, and smiles, whether 0 or 600 miles apart. As cliche as it sounds, I truly knew that I wanted to spend every moment, whether good or bad, with Alex by my side very early on. Our time together has only strengthened that as he has become my best friend, cheerleader, confidante, and supporter. I could not imagine spending forever with anyone else, here's to us.