We followed each other on Twitter for a couple of years before we began talking, as a result of a mutual love of gaming. We had never really spoken to each other before, other than a few liked tweets here and there; until one day in January 2019, we struck up a conversation about a new video game that had come out. We have talked every single day since then. First, a friendship was born and we would talk back and forth about video games, work, and life; Rhys being from England and Liza being from the United States, we had so much to talk about. Simple questions back and forth eventually turned into long detailed responses as we both strived to learn more and more about each other. One day we decided to play a game together that we both loved, Fortnite, and our bond continued to grow. Liza of course remembers that day because that was the first time she heard Rhys' English accent. Many days thereafter were spent playing video games, messaging back and forth, and eventually talking on the phone and Facetiming. Months passed and we realized that this friendship was slowly turning into something more. We began telling our family and friends about each other and ultimately decided we wanted to meet up in person. In January of 2020, Rhys purchased a ticket to fly from London to Los Angeles so that we could meet in person. Unfortunately, as you all know, the world came to a complete stop around March of 2020. The U.S. borders were completely closed; no travel from outside countries was authorized. We were absolutely heartbroken and devasted. We were so close to finally meeting one another in person. This was a turning point in our relationship as we could've said right there that maybe it wasn't meant to be and we should just try and move on. But we remained so dedicated to one another throughout that next year and this bond that we had formed 5,000+ miles apart only grew stronger. As the year moved on and then the next, all we could think about was seeing each other. We both got vaccinated as soon as we could and wanted to do anything we could in order to be able to see each other. Unfortunately, the U.S. and U.K. borders remained closed to outside nations. In September of 2021, we decided to come up with an alternative plan. We had waited so long to see each other, we were fully vaccinated, and wanted to do whatever it took. We began researching countries that would allow both residents from the U.S. and the U.K. We came across Canada and we began to consider that. Then, we came across France; France's borders were open to both the U.K. and U.S. and the flights to Paris were actually cheaper than the flights to Canada! We booked the tickets as soon as we could and on October 3rd, 2021, we FINALLY met in person. In the City Of Love, no less! We both fell absolutely in love with Paris and even more in love with each other. It was the best week of our lives. After that, eventually, the borders to both of our countries opened. Rhys has been to the U.S. to see Liza and her family five times and Liza has been to the U.K. to see Rhys and his family two times. Although it has been difficult being so far apart, we are so thankful and blessed we have still been able to see each other as much as we have. Leaving one another at the airport, knowing soon we will again be 5,000+ miles apart, will always be one of the hardest things we've had to endure; but we look forward to the day when we can finally be together forever. On August 11, 2022 Rhys, along with all of Liza's family in tow (including Amanda, Liza's sister, via Facetime), went to Disneyland. Rhys got down on one knee in front of the castle, Liza's favorite place in all of Disneyland, and asked Liza to marry him; to which she, of course, said 'YES!'. We are so beyond blessed to have found each other and are so thankful to our family for putting up with the many trips to the airport and their continued love and support.