Madeline and Alec first met in high school band, but it wasn't until they started working together during Madeline's junior year and Alec's senior year that they became friends. Their friendship grew even stronger once Madeline started college, where they bonded over being kinesiology majors, workouts, and their shared love of all things exercise science. A few months later, they joined friends on a hiking trip and accidentally found themselves pretending to be married in order to check into a hotel. Just like that, "Mr. and Mrs. Fusilier" became an inside joke among their friends—a joke that has stuck ever since. After a year and a half of dating, Alec moved to Houston for chiropractic school. Long distance wasn't always easy, but it helped them grow together and strengthened their relationship in ways they never expected. A year and a half later, Alec surprised Madeline with a proposal on her 22nd birthday. While she thought she was simply heading to the park for birthday photos, Alec had secretly gathered both of their families to witness the moment. After she said "yes," they celebrated with an engagement party he had planned in advance. From high school friends to gym buddies, to "pretend spouses," to future husband and wife, they can't wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of their favorite people.