♡

They met junior year of high school through cross country—arguably not the most romantic setting, but something about the post-run exhaustion and shared suffering sparked something real. From the very beginning, it just fit. Lexi brought the energy, the stories, and the boldness, while Stephen offered the quiet (but never dull) steadiness that grounded it all. There was an instant sense of balance—like they’d always known each other. The early days were filled with long conversations, inside jokes, and that giddy feeling of having found someone who felt like home. Fast forward through graduation, career changes, the addition of more dogs, countless debates over what show to binge next, and numerous road trips, they were engaged. The proposal happened on their most recent trip, where it began in the redwoods. He told her he wanted to "test the tripod" which was code for "about to propose," while their dogs, Maisie and Leo, barked from the car in protest of not being involved. Lexi had already pieced things together a couple months before the trip as ring size questions don't make for casual conversation, but the moment was still perfect. These days, they've both found their calling in the veterinary field, working at locations in the same company a convenient seven minutes apart. Perfect distance for understanding each other's work stories without getting sick of each other. Stephen, once pet-less, had to win over Lexi’s three German Shepherds and her retired cop dad. He passed the test, though Dakota still greets him with her signature bark of “stranger danger” while begging for his love—because German Shepherd logic defies all reasoning. Their love is measured in weekly Trader Joe’s flowers (Stephen insists they shouldn’t be reserved for holidays or apologies), shared outrage at Arizona drivers, and his unspoken commitment to finishing anything Lexi can’t eat—which works out, since he eats like an army and she’s good after five bites. It’s a rhythm that’s become second nature—built on small daily acts, mutual patience, and plenty of laughter. From high school sweethearts to life partners, eight years seemed to have passed in the blink of an eye and they're officially ready to celebrate this milestone with all their favorite people.