Lydia and Alex first connected online in late 2024 after downloading a dating app simply for fun, open to wherever it might lead. What began as friendly phone conversations quickly revealed how closely their values, goals, and faith aligned, along with a shared desire to follow Jesus. When they met in person on November 2, 2024, and spent the day together in Indianapolis, it became clear their connection was something special—they left that day as boyfriend and girlfriend, both knowing they had found someone they didn’t want to be without. At the time, Lydia was finishing her bachelor’s degree at Valparaiso University in northern Indiana, while Alex was working full-time in Lexington, Kentucky. Their relationship soon became long-distance and remained that way for over a year, even after Lydia returned home to Wisconsin following graduation. While the distance wasn’t always easy, it became an unexpected gift. Long phone calls and late-night conversations gave them the space to grow closer and build a strong foundation. Along the way, they cheered on the Packers in Wisconsin, made countless road trips to Indianapolis to see each other (with special thanks to Mason and Brooke for helping make that possible), and spent many cherished days in Kentucky. On New Year’s Eve 2025, Alex proposed at Keeneland Race Track in Lexington, creating a moment that perfectly reflected the place he calls home and the life they were stepping into together. Though proudly raised in Wisconsin, Lydia quickly fell in love with Kentucky—where she and Alex now look forward to building a life together, grounded in their faith and excited for what’s ahead.