One unexpected blessing that came out of the Covid-19 pandemic was our relationship.

We both attended Huntley High School, though we didn’t really know each other—just knew of each other. From there, Sarah went on to the University of Kentucky and Anthony to Ripon College. Given that, you wouldn’t expect us to be the two people who would eventually end up together. But in March of 2020, our lives were changed in more ways than one.

Earlier that year, Sarah added Anthony on Snapchat after recognizing his name from high school, but she didn’t think much of it. While on spring break with her family in Florida, Sarah posted a snap saying goodbye to her cousins’ dogs, mourning that her trip was being cut short due to the pandemic. Anthony, who claims it was out of character for him, felt compelled to swipe up on her story. That simple interaction sparked a connection, and soon they were snapping back and forth, building a friendship over the following months.

As the summer ended and both of them were preparing to head back to school, they decided to meet up at Sunset Park for a game of Battleship. After that day, their feelings for each other deepened, but with school taking them to different states, they agreed to stay friends. During their time at school they continued to facetime and snapchat, so when they returned home for winter break they went on their first date—and that date turned into something much more.

Over the next year and a half, they maintained their long-distance relationship with frequent FaceTime calls, texts, Snapchats, and visits. When graduation arrived, they both moved back home—just down the street from each other—and no longer had to navigate the distance.

Fast forward to July 2024, Anthony surprised Sarah on a Monday after work by getting down on one knee and asking her to marry him. She said yes, and their journey toward the altar began!

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