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Ian and Laura first crossed paths through mutual acquaintances at Ben Hill Middle School in Tampa, Florida. They knew of each other, but friendship never really happened. Laura, being a year older, insists she would have never dated him in high school because dating a younger guy? “Ew, no way.” They did spend three years together in the Gaither High School Marching Band, Ian on clarinet, Laura in the colorguard. Ian, the shy one, secretly had a crush on her during his junior year while she was a senior, but never said a word. In fact, his mom and sister had more conversations with Laura back then than Ian ever did! Fast forward, Laura graduated from USF and moved to Maine, while Ian worked various jobs before joining the Air Force. After basic training in Texas and technical training in New Mexico, he seemed miles away from his old Florida life. But fate had other plans. When Ian’s mom proudly posted his Air Force training graduation online, Laura took notice. She saw a grown-up and very handsome guy, Ian Wagner. Now, depending on which one you ask, they’ll each claim the other started the relationship first. But one thing’s certain the connection was instant. They officially began dating a month before Ian was stationed in South Korea, fully committing to a 13-month long-distance relationship. When Ian returned, they moved in together at his duty station in Alamogordo, New Mexico. In February 2025, Ian proposed in Forest, Virginia, surrounded by friends and family. Their wedding date, March 28th, holds extra meaning, it’s their shared birthday. From middle school acquaintances to high school bandmates, to long-distance sweethearts and now husband and wife, these two were simply meant to be.