How this Jedi Got the GirlHow this Jedi Got the Girl

Long AgoLong Ago

In A Galaxy Far Far Away...

In December 2020, at Kirtland AFB, NM, Cristina visited her sister, who was training there, and briefly met Ely, one of her sister’s crew members. Neither thought much of it at the time. By June 2021, Cristina was in the Florida Panhandle for some much-needed beach time with her sister. Ely also found himself stationed in the Panhandle at Hurlburt AFB for training—after all, becoming a Jedi is no easy task. Cristina, always seeking adventure, realized she needed a companion to navigate the Panhandle’s sandy wilderness. Enter Ely, the Jedi-in-training. Their combined strength in the force grew over long hikes and deep conversations, from the meaning of life (42) to Obi-Wan’s strategic high ground. Ely’s hatred of sand only deepened with each trek, but like any good Jedi, he let go of his anger and continued to join Cristina on her sandy excursions. When Cristina made Florida her permanent home and Ely learned he’d be stationed there, they remained close. After a few more sandy excursions, Ely finally suggested an alternative—an actual date, free of sand but full of great food and conversation. That night, they realized their connection was something special—something they had both prayed for. Now, after years of love and adventure, they are coming before God, family, and friends to celebrate their commitment, their love of family, and their shared hatred of sand. And that’s how this Jedi found the woman he loves—and a lifelong May the 4th partner.