We met during our junior year at Arizona State University in biochemistry class — or at least that’s the version most people know. What really happened is we matched on a dating app first, his opening line was simply, “I have a question”. A few messages later fate intervened, Jase unknowingly sat right behind me in class. He recognized me and texted later to confirm, which quickly turned into an invitation to “study.” I showed up a little nervous but fully prepared — homework already finished, a fact Jase still loves to bring up. We did actually study… briefly. Then came a tour of his room, where I immediately noticed his smoke detector wasn’t installed. So naturally, we fixed it together. Not exactly a fairytale beginning, but apparently effective, as he says it proved I was very handy. We spent the rest of the night getting to know each other, and somewhere between deep conversation and an attempt at a smooth moment, Jase went in for the kiss (which I still tease him about). Not long after, we fell asleep. It might sound unusual, but it was anything but. I felt an overwhelming sense of comfort and safety with him — a feeling I hadn’t expected so soon, but one that told me this was something special. From then on, we were pretty much inseparable. Our first official date came two weeks later and involved a last-minute change of dinner plans, mini golf, and gas station ice cream. It wasn’t perfect, but it was us. With my sister’s wedding approaching and questions inevitable, I finally asked Jase what we were. He was hesitant, unsure of labels… that is, until the next day, when he admitted his mom kept calling me his girlfriend and he couldn’t explain why I wasn’t. I, of course, made him ask properly — in person. So on September 13th, he did, and the rest has been history. Over the next few years, we grew together through college, shared interests, road trips, and weekend hiking adventures (even after Jase was attacked by a cactus on his very first hike). We explored Arizona every chance we got, taking full advantage of the place that brought us together. After graduation, we packed up and road-tripped to Ohio, where I started dental school and Jase began working at the hospital. Those early years weren’t easy, but he was my constant — my support, my calm, and my home. He carried me through my toughest moments and always knew how to bring me back to myself. We built a life grounded in simple joys: board games, working out, staying active outdoors, time together, and our cat, Tonto, who we rescued and now completely rules our house. Now, as Jase begins medical school and we navigate long distance, we’re more confident than ever in what we’ve built. We balance each other in every way — my planning and emotion with his calm and adaptability. Even from two hours apart, we know exactly where home is — with each other. On August 9th, 2025, Jase proposed at sunrise at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. Despite early alarms, travel hiccups, and nerves, the moment was perfect. As he started speaking, everything else faded away. We may not remember every word that was said, but we’ll never forget how it felt — standing together, surrounded by mountains, knowing this was it. We’re so excited to celebrate the next chapter of our story with all of you.