Jackson and Bella first met on Jackson’s mission! He served in the Birmingham, Alabama mission and loved it! His first area was Bella’s home ward in Cullman. He got close with Bella’s family while he was there, and then after he left Bella’s mom and dad sent him and his companion (shoutout Parker Ryser) a Christmas package. Bella slipped a note to Jackson in there (Bella doesn’t remember what she wrote) and then almost a year later Jackson sent her a letter. They both wrote each other the last 6 months of his mission and decided that they wanted to see each other when he got off. So, Bella then proceeded to book the ticket that would kickstart their relationship.

Bella flew out to see Jackson on July 19th of 2023. Even though they had FaceTimed every day since he got home from his mission, she was still sooo nervous. She remembers her heart beating so fast as soon as the plane landed. Jackson has very similar feelings as he sat waiting in the truck. They hadn’t seen each other in person in a little over a year and a half. Then the big moment arrived; they saw each other. Jackson jogged up and hugged Bella very tight (and may have kissed her), and they started dating officially. They both had the most amazing week ever before Bella flew back home.

And so 8 months of long distance begins… and Jackson and Bella would never do it again hahaha. It was hard and a lot of their relationship learning and developing happened from 2000 miles away. There were lots of FaceTime calls, tired late night prayers over the phone, quiet laughing because they were the only ones awake in their houses, and many times wishing for what they have now. Heavenly Father is the kindest, and helped them in all the important ways. He helped them learn and grow as they were apart and magnified the times where they got to see each other. He helped them in big ways and in the smallest details. There were many times that Jackson or Bella were afraid they couldn’t make a trip, and Heavenly Father would provide the way. From dropping a price suddenly on a trip, to Jackson having practice off, to Bella finding a ride to the airport when she thought she couldn’t (shoutout to mom and dad). There were also so many people who helped them along the way. Larry and Linda, family friends, offered to let Bella stay many times when she came to see Jackson in Provo. Along with, Sid and Angela Sullivan when she came to stay in Boise not too long ago. For Jackson, Bella’s aunt and uncle NataLee and Matt were so kind to let him stay many times, as well as Bella’s nana Tearney. They have so many pictures from this time in their relationship that will be located in their photo gallery if you want to take a look! It’s safe to say they wouldn’t wanna do it again, but they are so very grateful for the memories. They are grateful for what they were taught and how much it grew their thankfulness for one another.

This was a long awaited moment. Bella had tested out the idea of moving to Provo in November, but she quickly realized that a big move like that was not going to be possible that soon. So, Bella got a really good new job and saved a ton so she would be able to move and feel comfortable doing so. They both prayed hard to know when a good time would be to move. Then one night after Bella got up from praying, she got the strongest impression that February 20th would be the day. She called Jackson and they said one last prayer about it together before going to book the ticket. Bella remembers the spirit being so strong as she booked the plane ticket. Jackson booked a ticket to come the following weekend, and asked Bella’s parents about marrying her. Bella’s mom cried happy tears (very much like her) and Bella’s dad was very happy to, although, he likes to play it off haha. Later on, Jackson told Bella about going to his family’s cabin the weekend she moved to Provo for a snowmobiling trip with his family and some friends. Bella suspected a proposal, but Jackson crushed her dreams in the car (not literally) and played it off really cool. She was totally shocked and excited and repeated “ARE YOU SERIOUS?!” About 10 times before he could actually ask her the question. He proposed over a beautiful waterfall you could only snowmobile to!

And now y’all get to join them for the day they begin eternity! They love you guys!