Alec and Catherine met at Virginia Tech in January 2019, thanks to a twist of fate and a broken ankle. While Alec was sidelined at a party, crutches in hand after a recent injury, Catherine (who, as you probably know, is never one to shy away from a new conversation) walked over and said, “You look like you could use a friend.” What began as a simple introduction soon developed into something more. As the spring semester rolled on, they found themselves spending more and more time together. Dining hall food tasted better with company, study sessions at Newman Library became routine, and Alec took on the unofficial role of physics tutor. Friendship eased into something more, especially after Alec invited Catherine to a spring date party. From then on, their similar sense of humor and easy compatibility made it feel natural to be together. By summer, they were officially a couple. When campus shut down in spring 2020, Alec joined Catherine and her family in Charlotte, trading solo quarantine in New Jersey for a month of online classes and spirited rounds of Super Mario Bros (so competitive, Catherine’s mom occasionally had to intervene). That summer, they moved in together for internships in Northern Virginia, an early test drive of sharing space, solving problems, and finding a groove as a team. Back in Blacksburg in spring 2021, Cat brought home a tiny whirlwind named Harvey. Whatever peace had been left in their lives was overruled by puppy chaos. Alec helped out whenever he could; Harvey brought energy, mischief, and a lot of muddy paw prints. Eventually, Alec graduated and moved to Northern Virginia while Catherine finished up her degree. The long distance wasn’t easy, but they made it work, even as post-graduation plans were uncertain. After a long senior year for Catherine, she eventually took a job in Arlington, closing the long distance for good. In 2023, they moved into a house together, making space not only for Harvey, now a veteran troublemaker, but also Bernie, dog number two. Their home quickly filled up with routines, laughter, scattered dog toys, and the occasional swallowed sock. On October 26, 2024, Alec proposed to Catherine at the DC War Memorial after a walk by the Tidal Basin. Despite Alec’s efforts, Catherine saw the proposal coming, not only because she spotted a friend clearing the scene for photos but because Alec has never been a good liar. Even so, the moment suited them perfectly: honest, joyful, and not too serious. Now, Alec and Catherine are looking forward to getting married at Keswick Vineyards on May 1, 2026. Their story isn’t a grand romance, but a series of honest, everyday moments, proof that sometimes, the best adventures come when you’re simply living life together.