It all started in 2008, when a goofy boy in middle school, one grade above Sierra, seemed like nothing more than a distant acquaintance. Little did Sierra know, this kid would someday become her best friend, and then, 16 years later, her fiancé. Their paths crossed in the most casual of ways.

Tyler's Auntie Megan was Sierra’s dental hygenist growing up and she couldn’t help but sing Tyler’s praises to Sierra every time they met. Even though the two barely knew each other, something about his aunt’s stories stuck with Sierra. At every turn, they just missed each other. Sierra cheered from the sidelines while Tyler led their middle school basketball team to victory, a championship no less. But as high school came around, their paths diverged. Sierra cheered on one team while Tyler played for the rival. It was a never-ending game of “almost”.

Then came the summer of 2016. One day, out of the blue, Sierra got a message on Facebook. It was from Tyler—someone she thought she barely knew. But as it turned out, they did know each other, in a way only the stars could explain. From that moment on, they were inseparable. Texts, phone calls, constant hangouts… it felt like they had known each other for years, even though it was just the beginning. Long afternoons by the pool, endless car rides with no destination in sight—they were the perfect duo, doing everything and nothing all at once. The more time they spent together, the more Sierra realized Tyler wasn’t just the goofy boy from her middle school years—he was the person she could see herself with.

When Tyler took Sierra to T-Bones for their first official date, she was immediately won over by the Espinacho Dip. That dish? It sealed the deal. He had good taste. Then Sierra went back to Connecticut for her sophomore year of college, Tyler couldn’t bear the separation. Every weekend, he made the trip to visit, supporting her at Acro Meets and saying "yes" to whatever spontaneous adventures her college friends would come up with. It was clear—distance wasn’t going to keep them apart.

Their bond grew stronger over the years, and they started a fun tradition: the annual Pre-4th of July party at Sierra’s pool. What started as a small gathering with just a few close friends quickly grew into the event of the year, a celebration with all the people they loved most.

Then came grad school for Sierra, and with it, a much-needed vacation. Sierra finally had a break from her Acro career, so they packed their bags and set off on a cruise. It was Tyler’s first time leaving the country, but he was more than ready. From the bustling streets of New York to the sunny beaches of the Bahamas, every port became a new adventure. But the best part? Swimming with dolphins for the first time.

A few years later, Tyler let himself be convinced to head to New York City to see a Broadway show—The Book of Mormon. It wasn’t exactly his top choice, but with Sierra by his side he would agree to try almost anything. Between the laughter at the play, the breathtaking views from the Empire State Building, and the energy of Times Square, the weekend was a memory they would both cherish.

Meanwhile, Tyler's passion for basketball led him to become an assistant coach at Pinkerton. There, Sierra grew to like some basketball and formed her own friendship with the other coach’s wife. They were both winning on and off the court, supporting each other in ways they hadn't even realized.

But then came the trip of a LIFETIME. In the spring of 2024, Sierra and Tyler embarked on a European adventure—a whirlwind cruise around five countries and ten cities. It was supposed to be just another chapter in their love story, but Tyler had something much more special planned. As they hiked to the top of Marjan Forest in Croatia, Sierra had no idea that Tyler had been carrying a surprise in his bag across oceans, on two planes and onto their cruise ship in Italy. With the sparkling Adriatic Sea at their feet, he dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him. She had no other words than “YES”.

And just like that, a goofy boy from middle school was no longer just an aquantance—he was her forever.

Now, they’re getting ready for the next chapter: their wedding. A lifetime of adventures, memories, and love awaits them, and both of them know that this is just the beginning of their greatest journey yet. And the best part? It’s only just begun.