We met in high school and started dating our senior year. Austin joined the Air Force and was stationed in Texas and then Okinawa, Japan, while Amelia started school full-time for Radiography. For the next three and a half years, we did long distance, juggling time zones, classes, and work. Austin came home whenever he could, and Amelia made three trips to Japan. We explored, ate amazing food, and saw some incredible places together.

Last December, Austin said we were helping his grandma pick out Christmas decorations at a tree farm, but instead, he proposed under a little bridge there.

Through all the distance, we’ve always supported each other, Austin building his Air Force career and Amelia graduating and becoming an MRI tech. After years of frequently being apart, plenty of laughter, and a lot of growth, we’re so grateful to finally be in the same place and can’t wait to start this next chapter together.