Our story began like many others in the last few years - online. Toward the end of COVID, we were both looking to make new friends and connections after months of quarantine and uncertainty. Neither of us were looking for a long-term relationship and were, instead, focusing on living it up. Those plans went out the window almost as soon as we met.

Like most things in our lives, we approached dating a little differently. We used aliases, avoided discussing anything about our careers or education, and even avoided carpooling to ensure we maintained anonymity. Dating this way allowed us to get to know each other as we truly were, rather than through labels and stereotypes. It was fun and flirty and unique to us, and this time felt pretty magical. Then, Garrett got deployed.

Over the course of Garrett's deployment, we spoke for hours each day and planned trips and visits during his leave. After the second trip to California, it was clear that we were in love. We waited until his mission ended to make the relationship official, and gradually began meeting each other's families and friends. Now, four years later, we can look back on this crazy adventure and clearly mark each milestone with memories of love and joy.

-3 career changes

-2 major surgeries + prolonged recovery

-Family illness and loss

-Purchasing a home

-Moving in together

-Starting a family with 2 dogs

-Turning 30 together

-Extended travel

-Deployment

-And, most recently, retirement from the Army after 10 years of service

We have not only healed together, but also grown and changed together. We have become a family together and built a life, a home. Now, with this wedding, we are beginning the next step of our journey: building a future together.

Thank you for joining us for our special day to celebrate all that we've accomplished and to eagerly dream of the future.