Catie and Nathaniel met out of pure coincidence on a school trip to Europe! 16 days, 6 countries, and all WWII themed - there's nothing more romantic than walking through concentration camps together and talking about Hitler!

They spent the next few weeks constantly texting and staying up way too late talking until Nathaniel eventually asked Catie to be his girlfriend. Their first date was laser tag 2 days later!

They went to a total of 7 school dances together and made countless memories while dating through high school!

Nathaniel graduated in the lucky year of 2020 and left soon after for basic training and AIT, starting the first round of long distance. He got back in November of that year!

A little over a year after getting back, Nathaniel got deployed while Catie was in her senior year of high school. Long distance part 2 included SO many FaceTime calls!

Catie graduated and committed to Old Dominion University while Nathaniel was deployed!

After a year overseas, Nathaniel returned state side and Catie got to pick him up! The end of super long distance, now there's just college to deal with.

They've taken a couple fun trips over the years, but going to Disney was definitely a favorite! With Catie trying to go to grad school, the new deal is that every missed graduation because of the military means a trip to Disney ;)

While visiting Nathaniel's family during their stay at Shenandoah Crossing for Thanksgiving, Nathaniel asked Catie to marry him! She thought he was joking and took forever to say yes, but once she finally did, they were able to celebrate with Nathaniel's family.