Our story started in the most unexpected place—a tiny, drive-thru-only Smoothie King in Jacksonville Beach. Alex was 17 and had been working there for about a year when Alec joined the team in the summer of 2016. At first, there wasn’t much to our relationship—Alex actually found Alec a little annoying, and between his group of friends also working there, there was always a lot of joking around (though the job always got done!). Everything changed one night in the fall of 2016. Alec had injured his ankle and needed help closing the store, so he asked in the group chat if anyone could step in. Alex volunteered, mostly for the extra money—but she made a deal: she’d help him close if he helped her with Algebra 2 homework. Through small talk, Alex already knew Alec was great at math. It was a slow night, so somewhere between smoothies and math problems, conversation came easily. Alex quickly realized Alec was funny, kind, and very smart. That night marked the beginning of something neither of them expected. Soon after, Alec asked Alex on their first date to Cheesecake Factory, and by the end of 2016, they were officially dating. They stayed together through Alex’s senior year and even navigated long distance when she went to Kentucky for her first year of college. When Alex moved back to Florida, they both attended the University of Florida, living in separate apartments in Gainesville while building their own friendships and chasing different dreams—yet always choosing each other. In 2020, Alex adopted their beloved pittie, Percy, who quickly became a huge part of their lives. They graduated together in May 2022, stepping into a new season—Alex began teaching, and Alec started pursuing what he thought was a path to medical school. But after a lot of studying (and soul-searching), Alec realized his true passion was working with animals. By 2024, he was working in a veterinary clinic and volunteering with large animals, eventually deciding to pursue veterinary school. In December 2024, the two took a winter trip to Tennessee with Percy. On a snowy (and slightly muddy) hike on December 21, Alec asked Alex to marry him—and of course, she said yes. By August 2025, Alec had moved to Grenada to attend St. George’s University for vet school, and they entered another season of long distance. Through every chapter—young love, college years, career changes, distance, and growth—they’ve continued choosing each other again and again. Their relationship has deepened not only in love but also in faith, resilience, and sacrifice. We found love early, and instead of walking away when it was hard or when others told us to, we held on. We’ve loved each other through every stage of life so far—and we can’t wait to see and love all the ones still to come, with faith in what God has ahead for us.