We first met back in 2018 at Lolo Elementary School, where we were both teaching—alongside Noah’s dad, Don! What started as a work friendship quickly turned into a genuine connection, especially as we began spending time with a group of fellow teachers outside of school. That spring, we even ended up living in the same neighborhood, which meant more impromptu hangouts... and more time for Noah to fall in love—with Remi, Michelle’s dog.

Noah would often take Remi for runs or check in on her when Michelle needed a hand. Looking back, that bond may have been our first real clue that something more was meant to be.

Then life happened—COVID hit, Michelle moved back to Missoula with two of her friends, and we went over a year without really spending time together outside of school. But in the spring of 2021, as the world started to feel a bit more normal, Noah got accepted into flight school. We naturally began reconnecting, spending more and more time together... and soon, feelings deeper than friendship began to grow.

Noah headed off to Warrant Officer Candidate School, and Michelle started writing him letters while he was away. After graduating from WOCS, he came home for a short visit before starting Blackhawk helicopter training in Alabama. Just a few days before he left for 15 months, we decided to take the leap—officially starting our relationship long distance. Perfect timing, right?

We made the miles work—Michelle visited Alabama during her school breaks and summer, while Noah came home for Christmas and other visits. In 2023, Noah graduated from flight school, and we made the big road trip back across the country together. We’ve been inseparable ever since.

After Noah moved back to Montana, Michelle transitioned from teaching into a new career in the legal field—a big decision that Noah encouraged and supported every step of the way. We bought our first home together in October 2024. A few months later, in February 2025, Noah proposed—with Remi right there by our side, just as she’s always been. It was the easiest "yes" and the most perfect moment.

Now we’re planning the celebration of a lifetime, and we can’t wait to share it with all of you!