We first crossed paths during college, in the summer of 2018, in the most unexpected of places: Newark Airport. We were both on our way to Advanced Camp at Fort Knox for military training as cadets. Though we were both in college, we attended schools far apart: Jill was studying at the University of New Hampshire, while Dan was down in West Virginia at West Virginia University.

That summer, we only saw each other in passing at training. Our final moment together before heading back to our separate lives was at graduation. Jill remembers saying to Dan, "I hope you get the branch you want," and after that, we drifted apart, connected only by the occasional glimpse on social media and no further conversation.

Fate, however, had other plans. More than a year later, in October 2019, we ran into each other again. This time, it was in a hallway in Oklahoma, at Fort Sill, where we were both in-processing for our Basic Officer Leaders Course. Coincidentally, we were in the same class as newly commissioned Second Lieutenants. Jill immediately recognized Dan and said, "Hey, I know you!" and that simple phrase reignited our connection.

From that day forward, we found ourselves gravitating towards each other. We became part of the same friend group, staying up late together, helping each other study for grueling four-hour exams, and sharing countless memories. Our bond grew deeper, and before long, Dan asked Jill out on a date. From that moment, we became each other's best friend, and our love story began to unfold.

When it came time for Dan to propose, he wanted to make sure it was meaningful and surrounded by the people Jill held closest. On December 29, 2022, he gathered her entire family to see the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center. But as luck would have it, the original plan didn’t work out due to the overwhelming crowds. Instead, Dan proposed in front of the Christmas Tree at Bryant Park. It turned out to be even more magical, and being surrounded by loved ones made the moment unforgettable.

Because of our commitment to the Army—and the need to move frequently—we had to act quickly to ensure we could stay together. On February 11, 2023, we eloped in Texas, with just our immediate family and close friends witnessing the start of our new life as one. We lived in Texas for three and a half years, and November last year we head back to Oklahoma for the Captains Career Course. Upon graduation of CCC we moved to Colorado Springs and will be here for the foreseeable future.

We’re thrilled to share that our big New Jersey wedding is set for December 27, 2024. It will be a celebration like no other, surrounded by our enormous, loving families. We can’t wait to make more memories on what promises to be an unforgettable night!

Photos