1,871, that is the current number of miles between Ethan & I. This time last year the number was 410 and two years ago today it was 3,496 miles. Before we get into that let’s go back to where it all started.

9 miles, I was in 3rd grade when I met my greatest competition…uh I mean Ethan Bell. From Cross the Delaware, Manhunt, Soccer, you name it Ethan and I were competing. One of my proudest moments was when I beat Ethan in a race, and here’s the thing…if he wasn’t going full speed then why was he so upset when I won😉 but oh boy, I sure did have the biggest “crush” on this curly haired boy! There was never a sleepover where I did not hear this question, “So do you & Ethan like each other?” which of course I would reply with “…um no” 😉 Another funny memory I have as kids was when the Bells slept over and we all stayed in the living room. I could not sleep so I asked my mom if I could play on my iPod. Apparently, Ethan was up and saw the glow of my screen and he came over and sat next to me so we could take turns playing games. Fast forward a bit, I was in 6th grade at my first year of Youth Camp. Ethan was on the opposing team and before the game started, I overhear Ethan say to his teammate, “Oh yeah, we got this easy.” That comment was all I needed to know that I had to crush Ethan Bell in every challenge for the rest of the week...because how else was I supposed to display my love for him? After that year, Ethan and I were put on the same team quite often. Though he was my "greatest competition", he was even more my greatest teammate. I had no idea that this boy would be the greatest teammate in this thing called life. Throughout high school, we barely acknowledged each other (still thought he was cute) until...

306 miles, I was in 12th grade and Ethan had just graduated high-school and left to attend Grove City College. A friend of mine mentioned it was Ethan’s birthday, so I sent him a message which is interesting because we had not spoken in a while. We talked every day after that, and he was quickly becoming my best friend. After 7 months of close friendship and golden memories, he asked me to be his girlfriend and I became the luckiest girl in the world.

Ethan and I then began our 3+ year journey of long-distance, and it has been worth every second. We have dated through 4 different time zones and even at one point had an entire ocean separating us. No matter how painful distance got and can be, not having Ethan in my life would be so much worse. This season has only taught us how valuable every moment with someone is and how to love so big that 3,496 miles and a 5-hour time difference has no power over who you are meant to be with. Through many facetime dates, surprise visits, hundreds of handwritten notes, prayer, and much more, our love for each other only continues to grow.

ZERO MILES, a time that Ethan and I have been anxiously awaiting and I am so honored that I will soon be marrying my best friend & 3rd grade crush😉 I praise Jesus for Ethan, he is everything and more than I ever could have asked for in a future husband.

We are so excited for this next season, and we cannot wait to celebrate our wedding day with you!

Registry