Jack and Leigh Anne's story is one of proximity and distance. They grew up no more than 15 minutes apart. One would think they probably sat in shopping carts in different aisles of Fresh Market once or twice or passed each other on the street as their parents drove them across town. While we'll never know for certain, their lives were likely criss-crossing at a very young age. When it came time for high school, their paths officially crossed at Brebeuf Jesuit. Funny enough, Leigh Anne and Jack ended up taking Piano 101 together, and whether Mr. Tippel was trying to set them up or not, they ended up as duet partners for their midterm. While they didn't talk much, it was the beginning of a quiet but joyful friendship. They didn't know it yet, but Jack was slowly falling in love with her smile and Leigh Anne picking up on Jack's sense of humor. When high school came to a close for Jack, he decided to attend Notre Dame for college. While living away from home and becoming an irrational Irish football fan were new, some constants remained. He kept in touch with his family and friends, went to mass on Sundays and every now and then, would talk to Leigh Anne. As before, nothing more than quick texts or calls here and there, but when spring break rolled around, they set a date. Unbeknownst to Leigh Anne, Jack was nervous to see his piano partner again, and from that day on, the butterflies haven't stopped when he sees her walk into a room. After spring break, the texts became more frequent, the calls turned into facetimes, and by summer, the two were going on dates to the movies and picnics in the park. When it was time to go back to school, they decided to take a measured approach. They'd stay in touch, but it felt too early to put a label on it. They wanted to enjoy college and be with their friends - who can blame them! That lasted about a month. Leigh Anne found her way up for a Notre Dame football game, they spent hours talking on the phone, and eventually, over fall break, they sat down and admitted it: distance would be hard, but they had to give it a shot. And they were right - it was hard, the distance was long, but there was something there. For the next three years, Jack and Leigh Anne traded off visiting each other. Jack would drive down for formals, weekends in Brown county and sushi nights. Leigh Anne would return the favor by driving up for football games and enduring the freezing winters. Through COVID, the funkiest AirBnBs you've ever seen, and thousands of miles in the car, they made it work. At the same time, they learned who the other person truly was, laughed until their stomachs hurt, and fell in love. While typically more than three hours apart, their hearts were forming a bond that would carry them to where they are today. Graduation didn't change much. Jack was off to New York, and Leigh Anne to Optometry school. Yet again, distance would be part of their love. US-31 was exchanged for the airport, and they embraced a new challenge with the same mindset as before. In New York, they attended shows, tried restaurants and embraced the insanity. Back in Bloomington, they'd go for walks around campus, attend basketball games, and Leigh Anne even taught Jack how to cook. While the scenery changed, their love only grew stronger. Strong enough that in April 2025, in a quiet cooking class, Jack asked Leigh Anne the most important question of their lives, "will you marry me?" They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, and for Jack and Leigh Anne, nothing could be more true. From growing up across town to dating through road trips and flights, they've embraced every step. They want to thank those who have supported them along the way, and are full of joy as they take this step into marriage. They ask for your prayers, and hope to serve as a reminder that for the right person, the answer is and always will be that the challenge is worth it.