We met in grad school, in our MBA program at The Ohio State University! Ellie moved back to Columbus from Chicago after 8 years to pursue her MBA, and Anthony decided to move to Columbus from New York to do the same—after deferring a year, ultimately putting them in the same cohort (thankfully!). What began as classmates turned into teammates on group projects, then running buddies training for a half marathon together. Somewhere between group hangouts and long runs, a friendship formed that neither expected—but one that already felt natural and familiar. It was a classic friends-to-lovers story. There was always a spark—something both describe as a magnetic force that kept pulling us together, even before either of us fully acknowledged it! Once they began dating, life expanded in a new way. Long nights talking on Ellie's back patio turned into shared plans. Ellie introduced Anthony to Columbus’ concert scene that summer, and Anthony introduced Ellie (and her family) to his ambitious challenges—most memorably, the infamous 24-hour row. There were long bike rides, hikes, rucks, and the realization that the best adventures were the ones they were choosing together. Somewhere in the conversations, music, and all the miles run, hiked, and biked, they knew: this was the kind of life and adventure they wanted to build together, forever. All of it eventually led them to their new home in Traverse City, Michigan— with their dog (Oliver) where their love of nature and movement never stops. They are now (literally) building a home together just outside of town, in the rolling hills of Northern Michigan. "I lived in Columbus for three years before I finally found 'home' in Ellie. While her beauty was the first thing I noticed, it was her roots—her kindness, creativity, and adventurous soul—that truly anchored me. What started as an instant spark soon became a lifelong promise, as I realized Ellie was the one I had always been waiting for, and every adventure from here on out was meant to be shared with her." - Anthony "Anthony’s calm and grounding presence drew me to him from the beginning. I could tell there was so much more than met the eye, and I was determined to peel back those layers. Our conversations were immediately deep and easy, and it felt like we could talk about anything. I loved how he was always open to new experiences. I admired his discipline, ambition, and constant desire to grow and challenge himself — and the way he brings that same intention into everything he does. I realized pretty quickly that this was someone I wanted to grow with, challenge myself alongside, and move through life with forever! And of course, my dog Oliver (now our dog) fell in love with Anthony just as much as I did — if not more (and he can be hard to please). I knew that meant something." - Ellison