We're Getting Married!

Though they could have met long before they actually did at high school track meets, they didn’t meet until right before Abby left for college, when they both worked at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Abby later came back part-time at the end of her fall semester, and that’s when she started working more with Austin. At first, Austin was nervous to even talk to her since she was usually in charge. That all changed on Super Bowl Sunday, when he finally struck up a conversation with her at work—and it didn’t stop when their shift ended.

After taking time to get to know each other, they decided to go on a date to the drive-ins after Abby returned from her freshman year service trip in downtown Pittsburgh. It was a cold night, with snow falling all around them. While they were there, Austin asked Abby to be his girlfriend, and from that moment on they have continued to grow together, learning how to build a life side by side.

The majority of Abby and Austin’s story revolves around their commitment to each other while attending schools far apart. Abby studied at Waynesburg University, working toward her degree in Early Childhood Education with Special Education, while Austin attended SUNY ESF in Syracuse, New York, studying environmental science. Long distance was never easy, as they often went weeks only being able to talk on the phone, making every visit something to look forward to. Abby would travel to see Austin at his football games, spending many fall weekends supporting him in the marching band. When they were finally together, their time was often spent on weekend hiking trips, giving them the chance to slow down and enjoy each other’s company. Their relationship has been filled with travel and adventure. They have flown to Florida, driven to Texas with overnight stops in Arkansas and Missouri, traveled to Connecticut, and hiked in New Hampshire. They’ve also taken smaller trips to Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. Over the years, they have spent three Christmases traveling to San Diego, California; Florida; and Charleston, South Carolina, continuing to grow their shared love of exploring new places.

After a long, challenging semester of Abby student teaching and Austin finishing a demanding course load, Austin planned a surprise trip to Lake Placid, New York over Easter break, when they both finally had time away from school. It was a short trip, but one that would mean everything. Austin had originally planned a hiking trip, but it turned out to be too cold and icy to safely make the climb. Instead, at the base of the mountain, he got down on one knee and nervously proposed to Abby. She said yes, making the moment—and the trip—even more magical. Afterward, they explored the Lake Placid area and made their way up the mountainside, where they were able to take in breathtaking views and capture unforgettable pictures at the top.

Abby and Austin have officially graduated from college and are beginning their life together as fiancés. Abby graduated from Waynesburg University and then headed to Syracuse, New York, to move in with Austin. Austin graduated soon after from SUNY ESF. Over the summer, they have been learning how to live together and have built an even stronger partnership. They moved into their first apartment and started their “big kid” jobs, which have helped support their continued love of travel. Before their wedding, they plan to take a few more trips and are enjoying every moment of this new chapter together.