Gus and I first met in 2019 while he was in Waupun and I was teaching psychology. We found opportunities to talk whenever we could, and through those conversations, we discovered a deep connection—bonding over our shared experiences with divorce, a mutual love of pork, and countless other things that brought laughter and understanding.

By March 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down, we began officially seeing each other. Despite the distance and challenges of that time, we stayed connected through countless phone calls, using each conversation to learn more about one another and strengthen our bond.

Only a few weeks into dating, we got engaged—we both felt, without question, that we were meant to share a life together. Over the following years, our connection only deepened.

Then, in May 2025, Gus finally gained his freedom and came home. These past months have been filled with gratitude, joy, and the beautiful reality of building our future side by side.

Gus surprised Sara by officially proposing on Christmas Eve. It was a beautiful moment in from of some of our family.

Now, we’re joyfully planning our wedding and preparing to officially begin the next chapter of our journey—as husband and wife.