Cassidy and Julian first met online in the summer of 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many couples who found each other during that time, they started their relationship virtually—with long Skype calls, game nights, and shared streaming sessions of Hamilton and Parks and Recreation. What stood out to Cassidy was how kind and respectful Julian was from the beginning—something not always easy to find online. For Julian, it was Cassidy’s warmth and grounded nature that caught him off guard—in the best way. After weeks of getting to know each other through a screen, they finally met in person on August 4, 2020. Their first date was an errand-run-turned-adventure to IKEA, a halfway point between their homes on opposite sides of Houston. Cassidy needed furniture and craft supplies for her new college apartment, and Julian agreed to meet her there. They wandered the showroom together, talked easily, and laughed when Cassidy insisted she didn’t need a cart—only to change her mind halfway through the store. Julian walked back to get one without hesitation. Afterward, they shared a meal at Tostada Regia, sparking what would become a long-running tradition of bonding over food and conversation. Just a few days later, they went to a drive-in movie to see Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Cassidy's favorite movie!). They picked up burritos from Freebirds, and when Cassidy’s was labeled “hers,” she couldn’t help but smile at how natural everything already felt. From there, their connection deepened into something steady and real. What began as a friendship slowly became a relationship built on trust, laughter, and mutual support. They’ve celebrated their August 4th anniversary each year since. In the years that followed, Cassidy and Julian’s relationship continued to grow. They took their first trip together to Galveston, where Cassidy beat Julian at mini golf, flew a kite on the beach, and enjoyed how "right" each other's company felt. Julian later joined Cassidy and her close friends on a weekend trip to Lago Vista, and in 2022, the two visited Cassidy’s hometown of Sheridan, Wyoming, where Julian experienced her family, her roots, and a true hometown rodeo. Together, they’ve gone to countless concerts, explored new cities, and made a habit of seeking out new barbecue joints and bookstores. They especially love adventures that support their shared love of music, food, and quality time. Through it all, they’ve been each other’s biggest supporters. While Cassidy pursued graduate school in Austin and later in Washington, D.C., Julian was there every step of the way—visiting often, cheering her on, and reminding her that they were a team. When it came time to propose, Julian wanted to make the moment as meaningful as the relationship they had built. During one of his visits to D.C., he surprised Cassidy with a proposal in front of the U.S. Capitol—complete with a photographer to capture it all. It was a quiet, rainy day, and the moment was intimate, thoughtful, and filled with love—exactly what Cassidy had hoped for. Now, after more than five years together, they’re ready to begin this next chapter. They share countless memories—and a very beloved dog, Daisy, who might love Julian just as much as Cassidy does—and they’re excited for a life filled with continued adventures, new milestones, and the same support and love that brought them here.