Alex and McKenna first crossed paths in high school physics class. They didn’t talk much back then, but one night Alex decided to change that. He sent McKenna a message on Instagram asking for help with a homework problem—one he already knew how to solve. But the question wasn’t really about physics, and luckily, McKenna replied. That small exchange turned into hours of conversation, and before long, the beginning of something real. A few dates later, they became inseparable. Over nearly eight years together, they’ve grown up side by side and supported each other through big moves, new schools, and busy seasons of life. They even got to share a few wonderful semesters together at Purdue—a time full of memories they still laugh about. After college, distance found its way back in as McKenna moved to Louisville and Alex to Indianapolis. But weekend visits, long drives, and plenty of FaceTime calls kept them connected, and the miles never changed how they felt. In the past year, Alex made the move to Louisville so they could finally start their everyday life in the same city. Not long after settling in, he proposed—turning years of “someday” into “let’s do this.” Now they spend their days traveling, enjoying time with friends, and being loving dog parents to their sweet Tilly. And soon, they’ll get to celebrate the story that started with one brave DM and turned into the best part of both their lives.