October | 03 | 2026

Most of you already know this, but Heather and Kyle have been long distance for nearly five years. The night they met, Heather showed up to an impromptu bonfire at Kyle’s house wearing a bridesmaid dress, before even knowing who he was. Kyle quickly realized he wanted to learn more about her after she immediately became best friends with his dog, Ceasar, and after she rescued a tiny bunny rabbit they found hiding in the garage (still in her dress). While Heather was home visiting, Kyle intentionally found every excuse to spend more time together by hanging out with mutual friends, watching Heather wakeboard on Lake Wickaboag, to enduring a humbling day of disc golf (which they both learned they are equally terrible at). Before Heather’s trip was even over, Kyle had already booked a flight to the middle of nowhere Nebraska where Heather was finishing her PhD. That first flight was a sign to Heather at how intentional and committed they were willing to be for along-distance relationship. From there, they’ve had many adventures including a cross-country road trip within the first six months of knowing each other. Together, they’ve explored countless ski and snowboard mountains across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, and even France, all while sharing a love for the outdoors and new experiences. Heather even convinced Kyle to bungee-jump in the middle of a snowstorm, something he said he would never do! Over the years, Heather and Kyle have learned that communication is the foundation of any strong relationship, especially when living more than 1,400 miles apart. Through endless phone calls, FaceTimes, and airport reunions, they have found unique ways to support each other through life’s biggest milestones including Kyle’s promotion at work and Heather’s recent dissertation defense. Although long distance hasn’t always been convenient, it has taught them so much about one another. Along the way, they’ve learned how to stay present despite the distance, which airports have the best layover food, and why investing in a good pair of headphones is absolutely essential. One ofHeather’s favorite things Kyle said early in their relationship was, “Nothing worth having comes easy.” Over time, that became more than just a saying and has been a reminder that helped carry them through both the challenging parts of a long distance relationship and Heather’s graduate school training. As excited as they are to celebrate their marriage surrounded by the people they love most, Heather and Kyle are slightly more excited to finally live in the same state for the very first time since meeting which begins the summer before their wedding. They can’t wait for this next chapter together and all the adventures still to come.