Brittany and John met the summer before senior year as summer camp counselors for NISRA, an organization providing special recreation opportunities for children with autism and other developmental delays. John was paired with a camper who was Brittany's buddy the summer before. She was understandably bitter for losing her favorite camper, and needless to say she was not fond of John initially. John, however, shamelessly took advantage of the young boy's charm and sweet personality to subtly flirt with Brittany at work. Enthusiastic as always, and egged on by coworkers, Brittany took initiative and asked John out first. In the following week after tearing up the dance floor and sharing their first kiss, John took Brittany to a Cub's game with friends where he asked her to be his girlfriend. Despite knowing they were days away from leaving for their respective schools, both knew that there was something special beginning between them, something worth taking a leap of faith. For the next 9 months, Brittany would drive 6 hours to Bloomington, IN and John in turn to Rock Island, IL for respite from class and much needed quality time together. After a year in their hometowns, they both began graduate school where they faced a 6-hour long distance relationship yet again for another 18 months. Though not always easy, distance truly made their hearts grow fonder, and they remained optimistic and committed to a future with one another. Now both living in the Madison area, they are more excited than ever to establish a life together as a unified couple.