Brian and Olivia met at West Point in June of 2018. A few months later, in the fall, their paths crossed again and they began dating. At the time Brian was a senior (firstie) and Olivia was a sophomore (yuk) at West Point.

Brian and Olivia knew from the start that long distance would be a challenge they'd have to navigate for the foreseeable future, so they made the most of their first year together by filling it with adventure. They travelled to Mexico in the spring while afforded a break from West Point.

After graduating from West Point, Brian was bound for Fort Benning, Georgia, where he would begin his journey as an infantry officer. Following that, he would face the grueling challenges of Ranger School, pushing himself to his physical and mental limits to earn the coveted Ranger tab. Once his training at Fort Benning was complete, Brian would embark on the next chapter of his military career, heading to Vilseck, Germany.

After Brian graduated, we knew the years ahead would be filled with the challenges of long-distance, so we decided to make the most of our time together with a trip to Italy. We ventured into the breathtaking Dolomites, immersing ourselves in the towering peaks and serene alpine meadows. Each day was filled with long hikes, where we pushed ourselves on steep trails, paused to take in the panoramic views, and shared quiet moments by mountain lakes. It felt like a celebration of the present and a promise for the future, a chance to build memories we could hold onto during the stretches apart.

The next year was a test of patience and commitment, filled with long nights on FaceTime, where we tried to bridge the miles between us with shared laughter and stolen moments. Our weekends often became whirlwind trips, flying between states just to spend a few precious days together. Made more difficult while Brian was in Ranger School, and our connection was reduced to handwritten letters. Despite the distance and the challenges, we found ways to stay close, holding onto the love and determination that carried us through the weeks and months apart.

During the height of COVID, Brian moved to Germany to begin his assignment, while Olivia entered her senior year at West Point. With a pandemic keeping us continents apart, seeing each other became impossible. The uncertainty of the world and the challenges of distance led us to make the difficult decision to go our separate ways. It wasn’t easy, but we knew it was the best choice for both of us at the time. Still, we held on to the hope that someday, when the timing was right and the world felt a little smaller, we might find our way back to each other.

In 2021, Olivia graduated from West Point, ready to embark on her own journey as an Army officer. She branched Field Artillery and posted to Joint-Base Elmendorf Richardson in Anchorage , Alaska. Her first stop was Oklahoma, where she would complete her Basic Officer Leadership Course, mastering the technical and tactical skills required for her branch.

After time apart, Brian and Olivia found their way back to each other when Brian visited Alaska from Germany, reigniting the connection they had never truly lost. The time and distance had only strengthened their appreciation for one another, and it quickly became clear that they wanted to build a future together. Not long after, Brian competed for a spot in Alaska, a role that would allow him to continue his career while being colocated with Olivia.

Since Brian moved to Alaska, he and Olivia have continued to grow together, both in their relationship and their careers. Settling into their life in Eagle River, they share not just one, but two homes, creating a place where their future could truly take root if they choose. With Olivia’s brother Greg living right across the street, life came full circle in a way they never could have planned but felt meant to be. Every challenge, every adventure, and every twist of fate led them to this moment—their marriage—a testament to the incredible journey that brought them back to each other and the life they always dreamed of building together.

An important member of their new family could not be forgotten—Oakley! Upon moving to Alaska, Olivia welcomed Oakley into her life as a loyal companion in a new and unfamiliar place. From the start, he was more than just a pet; he was a source of comfort, adventure, and unwavering companionship. Since Brian’s arrival in Alaska, he has completely fallen in love with Oakley, and together, the three of them have embraced the Alaskan lifestyle. No matter how harsh the climate, Oakley ensures they get outside, explore, and appreciate the beauty around them. He is a true blessing in their lives, a constant reminder of the warmth and love that make their house a home.