It all began during a long weekend backpacking trip along the Appalachian Trail in the Shenandoah Valley. I was hiking with my best friend Luke, when we came across a group gathered around a young woman named Mia who had injured her ankle. She could not make it back to the trailhead on her own, so—as Marines do—Luke and I stepped in to help. I tended to her ankle and walked her back to the trailhead. Before parting ways, I gave her my number and told her to reach out if she ever needed anything. A few weeks later, on May 4, 2024, Mia called—not for help—but to ask if I liked Star Wars and wanted to join her for a weekend movie marathon. I did not hesitate. I drove up from Camp Lejeune to Harrisonburg, and we spent the weekend watching Star Wars and building Legos together. From that point on, I made the drive nearly every weekend, whether to go hiking or simply stay in and share quiet, creative moments. By our third date, I felt a deep stirring in my heart that Mia was the one I would marry. I was hesitant at first, but by the fifth date—after meeting her wonderful family—I had no doubt. They welcomed me with open arms. On New Year’s weekend, I found myself in the woods with her father, hunting deer and sharing laughs. Since then, our relationship has been rooted in prayer, love, and a shared commitment to Christ. We have continued seeking adventure together, always finding our way back to nature, where our journey began. We are deeply grateful to God for answering our prayers and for bringing us together in such a beautiful, unexpected way.