Barrett and Nikayla met all the way back in fourth grade when they were just nine years old. Over the years of fourth grade until eighth grade they were crushing on each other from time to time, but ultimately were just friends headed for separate high schools.

Sophomore year of high school Nikayla invited Barrett to go to the turn around dance with her, and they shared a very awkward evening. They were driven to the dance by their moms, who took cringy photographs of them in downtown Snohomish. After the dance, they remained friends and ended up attending the homecoming at Nikayla’s high school together the following fall, at the start of their junior year. This time they went with some friends and the pictures were less awkward. After that dance, they were both interested in dating one another, but they were both busy balancing sports and school so Barrett decided they would be better off just staying friends.

His attitude changed, however, when the pandemic happened and everyone was stuck inside and extracurriculars were closed. The two started talking every night on the phone, and resparked their connection. As soon as they could, they went on their first actual date: a trip to Barrett’s nana’s pond to go trout fishing. They had a blast, and were happy to be in their element instead of some school dance. From there, they dated the rest of high school, spending every spare moment together.

After they graduated, Barrett was working and doing online classes while Nikayla was leaving for Oregon State University to begin a 4 year degree. The idea of doing long distance for so long was daunting, but they knew that it would be a real test of their relationship and they would be stronger for it if they could make it through. Now they are going into the fourth year of long distance in the fall, and it has certainly not been easy, but weekend visits and FaceTime calls have helped them to push through.

Nikayla and Barrett have been talking about getting married ever since she left that first fall for Oregon. Why would they do long distance for so long if there wasn’t a clear future? So, this spring as they approached their 4 year anniversary, Barrett went and talked to Nikayla’s parents and asked for their blessing. After a long talk, they of course said yes, and he proposed on their 4 year anniversary, June 29th, at the waterfall on his nana’s pond where they shared that first real date. They are beyond excited to be married this coming June! Time cannot pass quickly enough.

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