We met at a gym in Rochester—though “met” might be a strong word. Alex spotted me and, according to him, it was love at first sight. For me? I didn’t even notice him. That dynamic went on for about a year. Eventually, we both became athletes at the gym and started helping with promotional content. It wasn’t until we were paired up for a shoot that I finally acknowledged his existence. We became friends… but I still wasn’t giving him the time of day. The gym’s photographer saw potential and kept putting us together, secretly trying to play matchmaker. Alex was hopeful, then discouraged, but the photographer encouraged him to keep trying. We ended up going to the state fair for more “content,” but I quickly realized Alex wasn’t there for the rides or fried food—he was there for me. The fair has always been my thing, not his, and yet he still goes with me every year. That day planted a seed. I started thinking: maybe there was something more here. But I didn’t act on it—yet. Halloween came and went, and then Alex invited me over to carve pumpkins at his parents’ house. That night, I met Terri and Guy, and something shifted. It was their warmth (and maybe the pumpkins) that finally made me give Alex a real chance. I'm kidding ;) It wasn’t just them—it was the way Alex made me feel. Safe. At ease. Like home. That’s when I finally gave him a real chance. We’ve been inseparable ever since.

Alex did everything right. He asked my dad for his blessing—like a true gentleman—and planned a day for our parents to finally meet each other. At least, that’s what I thought it was. In reality, it was just a clever excuse to get everyone together for the moment. He tried so hard to make sure I didn’t suspect a thing… but let’s be honest: why would I wear a long dress just to go out to dinner with our parents? I had my suspicions. Especially when he encouraged me to go shopping (which, if you know me, I really don’t need encouragement—I already have way too many clothes). But now I get it—he just wanted me to feel my best and love the pictures after. There was one little issue: my nails. I had bright blue polish on, and Alex couldn’t figure out a non-suspicious way to get me into a salon. But I had a feeling something was coming, so the night before, I quietly swapped them out for a nice neutral shade. He tried his hardest! He even recruited my best friend—and maid of honor—Olivia, to help set the stage. She casually took me shopping and “just happened” to walk us by a jewelry store so we could get our ring sizes. Meanwhile, Alex was sweating bullets that the ring wouldn’t fit. When the day finally came, we were the last to arrive. Our parents were already waiting at the bar, all dressed up and beaming. And just when he thought everything was going smoothly… the ring box fell out of his pocket during dinner. At that point, there was no hiding what was coming. But honestly? It just made the whole moment even more perfect. Full of love, nerves, laughter—and totally us.