We met through a shared friend back in 2020 while we were attending Brigham Young University. Nathan knew and was good friends with one of Heather's roommates at the time. We would often trade invitations for game night, dinner, etc. to get our friend group together. This began a wonderful, genuine friendship which served as a wonderful foundation for our relationship later on. There was a seed of interest early on, but we dated different people through the majority of college. Nate graduated in 2021 and moved to Lehi, Utah. Heather continued at BYU. Many in our friend group began dating and getting married, and we would see each other at weddings and friend group get-togethers and birthday parties. Our friend group was rooting for us from the very beginning, and would update us when the other person started or got out of a relationship. The seed of interest grew over time, but the opportunity to plant the seed didn't present itself until Fall of 2022, when Nathan learned Heather was single again. We began spending time together, often resorting to skiing as our favorite shared activity. Given the long history of friendship, but a seed of mutual interest, it was humorous to see ourselves start our ski adventures with a seat in between us on the chairlift, and only a few inches between us towards the end. This would repeat each time we went skiing, and would mirror itself with other activities we enjoyed together. Heather feels grateful there was no awkward first date. Adjusting to the realization that we both had feelings for each other was both thrilling and scary. There were several distinct and special moments where we would collectively or individually catch glimpses of a future together, and began to feel a wonderful peace about the prospect of dating and exploring the idea of a life together. As we dated and spent more and more time together, that age old saying "when you know, you know", began to make sense in both our hearts and minds. We had both prayed and fasted many times for help and guidance in finding an eternal companion (in our religious practice, we get married in an LDS temple and call the marriage ceremony a "Sealing" - which seals us together for time and all eternity - meaning we believe our marriage relationship will continue in the life after death). As we dated and prayed for guidance, we felt the Lord's hand guiding us and giving us a mutual feeling of peace about our each other and our relationship. This gave us the confidence to move forward towards marriage. As we have gotten engaged and moved towards our temple sealing, we have felt blessed to feel the Lord's peace and protection. We feel so grateful for each other and are excited for our life together.

We feel so blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives who have loved and encouraged us. Thank you for your love and support! Love, Heather & Nathan