We first met in 2017 at the University of Sioux Falls where we were both studying for Applied Mathematics and Computer Science degrees. We built a study group with other friends and quickly became closer. For the next few years, we talked daily about family, friends, our faith and everything in between. God had his hand in our relationship from the start. We had very different friend groups, but somehow, we always found a way to talk, hangout and be best friends. We helped each other through highs, lows, school, sports and even break ups (with other people lol).

In 2020, after many patient months of waiting, we started dating. After graduation Austin moved back to Oklahoma and Emilee moved back to Minnesota. We did distance for a few months before Emilee decided to move to Oklahoma in December of 2020. For the next year we made memories and learned a lot about our relationship. Although there was so much love, we both had areas we needed to grow in on our own. We ultimately broke up at the end of 2021 and Emilee moved back home to Minnesota in early 2022. Little did we know God wasn't done with our story and he brought us back into each other's lives just shy of a year later. We both spent our time apart growing closer to God and becoming the people we needed to be for each other. We built our relationship back from the ground up and it has been the most beautiful journey. Loving each other through so many seasons of life is so special to us and has made us the couple we are today. We pray for a marriage full of love, laughter, faith, family, joy, patience and gratitude.