We first met in early High School, and our paths crossed a number of times, but we didn’t truly connect until later on. Halfway through high school, Jayla moved from Michigan to Virginia. She is close friends with Amanda (sister of the groom), and in the summer of 2021, she came back and visited her in Michigan. During this visit, we began to talk to one another and had a number of deep conversations that lasted hours. We found we just wanted to keep talking more. Inevitably the week visit to Michigan came to an end, and Jayla went back to Virginia. We continued talking with the intention of just being friends, seeing as long-distance relationships are difficult and starting one didn’t seem to make much sense. However, after two months of talking, we couldn’t shake the feeling that we wanted to be together, and with that, we started dating in early October 2021. Long-distance dating wasn’t always easy and required a lot of work and trust, but we found that we were always growing together, and learning and loving one another more and more. It allowed us to get to know and appreciate one another on a very deep level through conversation. We went through many personal trials throughout our relationship, but we found such a support and partner in one another, and always continued to be there for each other regardless of the circumstance. Our relationship worked through communication, growing in our faith together, and trust in each other. After a year and a half of long-distance Jayla moved back to Michigan and we were able to continue our relationship in person and continue to grow as a couple. We have gone from only being able to see each other for a couple of days every few months, to being neighbors and seeing each other daily. We have continued to make us work against any odds and we thank God for it. Life hasn't always been easy, but with each other it is good. We are so excited to be taking this next step in our relationship and we cannot wait to see what the future has in store for us together.