We’ve known of each other since middle school — riding the same bus, growing up just six blocks apart. Drew liked to tease Noelle back then (classic middle school behavior!), but it wasn’t until 7th grade that we had our first real conversation. Drew launched into a passionate explanation about his obsession with Australia, the Sydney Opera House, and his dream of moving there someday. Maybe it was a hint of the adventurous spirit that later led him to the U.S. Navy. Even though Drew had decided way back in 8th grade that he was going to join the Navy (and definitely wasn’t going to date anyone before then), Noelle managed to change his mind. In 2020, their sophomore year of high school, they started dating. From homecomings to proms to walking across the graduation stage together, our high school years were intertwined and full of sweet memories. After graduation, Drew headed straight into Navy life, while Noelle stayed back in Iowa to chase her lifelong dream of becoming an interior designer — and is now set to graduate from Iowa State University in May 2026, walking the graduation aisle a month before walking the wedding aisle. Even with miles between us, we made long-distance work. Whether it was late-night movie dates online, weekend visits, or building Lego sets side-by-side, we stayed connected. One of our favorite shared places is Coronado, California — but wherever we are together feels like home. On a beautiful March day in 2025, Drew proposed to Noelle in front of the Cape Henry Lighthouse in Norfolk, Virginia, after a quiet stroll. It was the perfect start to the next chapter. Now, after years of friendship, distance, and growing together, we’re so excited to finally close the gap — and start the rest of our lives side by side.