Some love stories start with fireworks. Ours started more like a slow burn—with a few group hangouts, some mutual friends, and zero expectations. We had crossed paths a few times but didn’t pay each other much attention (Rachel even offered to set Max up with her single friends!). But once we were both single at the same time, something just clicked. One casual hangout turned into two… and we’ve been inseparable ever since. From the start, we just enjoyed being around each other—it felt easy, natural, and like something we didn’t want to let go of.

Rachel knew it was love when Max drove across town just to spend time with her after a hard therapy appointment. Max knew it was love when Rachel showed up to his house—rifle in hand—to take care of the groundhog problem he hadn’t been able to solve for years. Practical and romantic, right?


We love hiking, traveling (well—Max does), quiet mornings at home, and playing video games together—Rachel solves the puzzles, Max fights the monsters. Our biggest travel compromise? Max would live out of a suitcase, Rachel needs prescription medication just to get on an airplane.

Early in the relationship, Rachel and Max would walk around Delco Park while Rachel’s son, Connor, had soccer practice. Connor’s teammates had spotted the pair walking together and pointed it out to him. Since they had been caught, it was time to introduce them. Max first met Connor, he was ten years old. Rachel reassured him, “We’re just friends.” Connor didn’t miss a beat and replied, “Oh, I know. You’d never date someone THAT old.” Well… here we are.

One of our favorite memories is what we call the “shitty bar tour” in Huber Heights—an afternoon of questionable drinks and unexpected laughter. On the way home, Max decided to climb on an old train caboose behind a cigar shop. The owner stormed out with several of his buddies yelling, “Get off of my caboose!” and it became an instant inside joke. So when Max proposed, of course he brought Rachel back to the caboose (this time with the owner’s blessing). Rachel, naturally, panicked that we were about to get yelled at again but ultimately she said “yes”.

We’re so excited to start this next chapter, and even more grateful to celebrate it with the people who have loved and supported us through every step of our story.