Julian and Alexis first met over 12 years ago through a mutual connection. Though they attended the same high school, their paths didn’t cross much because of their age difference—he was two years older. Over the years, they stayed in touch sporadically through social media, each navigating their own relationships, military recruitment, and secondary education. Eight years later, in the early days of the Covid pandemic, both had moved back to Summerville and reconnected. They met for a socially distanced lunch in the car, and their communication continued intermittently over the following months, as neither were actively seeking a serious relationship at the time. In mid-August 2020, Alexis posted about wanting to go fishing for the first time, and Julian seized the opportunity to invite her out. Just four days later, they went to get fishing licenses, shopped for a new rod and bait, and came prepared with lots of snacks. They spent hours fishing that day - though, amusingly, they didn't catch a thing - but stayed to watch the sunset together, and later shared a kiss on the dock. From that moment on, they’ve talked every day. Nearly four years later, they are now engaged to be married and have an adopted cat together named Ace.