We met through mutual friends when Rachel, Madaline’s close friend and college soccer teammate from University of Toledo, met Evan, Addison’s close friend and teammate from Virginia Military Institute, on TikTok — yes, really — and when Rachel came to visit Madaline in Florida in early October of 2024, they decided it was time to play matchmaker. At first, Madaline was told Addison was from Tennessee.. but she later found out he was actually from the Dayton, Ohio area... Then he casually mentioned he was planning to become a pilot in the Marine Corps, which definitely caught her attention. We both went into it thinking we’d text for a few days and go our separate ways, but after our first FaceTime, we knew that wasn’t going to be the case. What started as simple conversations turned into late-night talks, nonstop laughs, and an undeniable connection. Our first official date was November 30, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio — perfectly timed for the Michigan vs. Ohio State football game — and from that moment on, everything changed. We made long distance work while Addison was in school at VMI and Madaline was living in Florida, learning how to juggle flights, busy schedules, and long goodbyes. It wasn’t always easy, but every mile only brought us closer. Through FaceTimes, airport hugs, and countless trips back and forth, we discovered just how strong our love truly was and how much we were willing to fight for one another. What started as a friendly setup turned into something neither of us could’ve imagined. We’re endlessly grateful for the friends who brought us together, the miles we conquered, and the love that led us here — and we can’t wait to spend forever side by side.