Officially, we met at the gym.

Unofficially? Hinge. But let’s be honest—“we met at the gym” just sounds way cooler, especially when your relationship ends up being built around deadlifts, protein shakes, and love. Besides, the gym was where our story really started to come alive.

Back in March 2024, I came across Tristan’s profile and immediately felt something different. There was a strength about her—both literally and emotionally—that pulled me in. I pushed for a first date pretty adamantly (read: borderline persistent), and while I had dreams of impressing her over filet mignon at Texas de Brazil, Mother Nature had other plans: snowstorm. Tristan wasn’t about to risk her life for fancy meat skewers (respect), so we pivoted to Delmonico’s in Clifton Park.

When she walked in, my nerves instantly vanished. Her pale skin and stunning eyes had this calm, grounding effect—like lifting with perfect form after a shaky warm-up. She was radiant. I felt underdressed... though to be fair, it’s hard not to feel that way next to someone who looks that good just existing.

Before Tristan came into my life, I spent a lot of time in prayer. Every day, I asked God to lead me to the person He had set aside for me—not just someone I wanted, but someone I needed. I leaned hard on 1 Peter 5:10, reading and reciting it daily: “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” That verse carried me through a season of doubt and healing. And here I am—standing beside a woman who embodies that restoration in every way. Tristan is truly an answered prayer, and I love her with all my heart.

From that first night, our connection was real. No games, no pretending. We skipped the surface-level stuff and dove straight into the hard questions most couples save for year two. Neither of us was interested in just dating for fun—we both wanted a partner for life. So we talked. About the past, the future, and everything in between. We laid it all out, gym chalk and all.

And from there, our relationship became...a team sport.

Tristan reintroduced me to competitive powerlifting—something I hadn’t touched since high school. Together, we’ve hit PRs, faced setbacks, rehabbed injuries, and cheered each other on through some epic competitions (and gym fails that will live in infamy). We’ve also powered through Chief season, transitioning out of the Navy, and—oh yeah—a whole pregnancy.

In December 2024, we found out we were expecting our daughter, Alice. She made her entrance in September 2025, and watching Tristan grow into motherhood has only deepened my love and admiration for her. Through all the chaos, late nights, and heavy emotional reps, Tristan stayed grounded, loving, and open. Her communication, patience, and loyalty tore down every wall I’d built to protect myself from the idea of marriage again.

At the start, I told her I was scared. I had wounds from a previous relationship, and the idea of tying the knot again felt... daunting. But she never ran. She stayed, she listened, and she showed me—every day—that this love was different.

Now, we’re heading into the next chapter of our lives headfirst—no hesitation, no fear—just trust, love, and the shared belief that we’re exactly where we’re meant to be. I know I have the best partner by my side. One who lifts heavy, loves harder, and makes every challenge feel conquerable (even if I’m still not allowed to skip leg day).

T&L

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception