Jana and Aaron's journey together began in 2016, when they met in gym class at Stephens County High School. Jana was a junior while Aaron was a sophomore. It was the start of something that neither of them could have predicted, but looking back, it felt like destiny. They started dating on November 27, 2016, and from that moment, their lives were forever intertwined. During their first years of dating, Jana and Aaron spent a lot of time at the high school sporting events. Whether it was Aaron playing baseball or Jana performing on Friday nights and dancing Saturday mornings. They went to their first prom together on April 29, 2017.

After Jana graduated from high school in 2018, she headed to Georgia College in Milledgeville, while Aaron completed his senior year of high school. As life took them on different paths, they entered a long-distance relationship. Aaron graduated from high school in 2019 and moved 12 hours away to Culver-Stockton in Canton, Missouri. For the first few years, they only saw each other during holiday breaks. The pandemic gave them more time together, but before long, they were once again separated by distance.

In 2022, Jana graduated from Georgia College & State University with her degree in early childhood education and began her teaching career. That same year, on May 8, 2022, they got their first fur baby together—Olivia! Olivia was exactly what they needed to feel more connected, even while miles apart.

Aaron graduated from Culver-Stockton College in 2023 with a degree in criminal justice, and during that time, he started his career in law enforcement. He worked his way through corrections and mandate, facing many mental and physical challenges, but Jana was there to support him every step of the way. Jana, on the other hand, continued to teach, now in her third year, and managed the ups and downs of being in a relationship with someone working night shifts while also getting up early for school. Despite their busy schedules, they always cherish Aaron's off weekends, making time for special day trips (especially to Helen, if you ask Aaron!).

December 7, 2024, the day Aaron proposed to Jana, was unforgettable. He chose the top of Stone Mountain, with the help of their closest friends, Gracie and Grant, to create the perfect moment. Although Aaron tried his best to surprise Jana, he didn’t manage to keep the secret—especially from her! But he did manage to surprise her with an engagement party afterward, surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Here they are, after over eight years of growth, adventure, and love. Their journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s always been worth it. They are excited to take this next step together and begin forever.

Thank you for being part of their story.