Our story began on New Year's Eve. AJ was home from Alaska for a few days and chose to spend New Year's Eve at his high school friend's house. Maddie was also attending, as they were now her college friends as well. Maddie saw AJ from across the room, and thought he was cute, and mentioned it to her friends. One thing led to another, and we ended up playing a game together and talking for all of five minutes. AJ said goodbye at the end of the night and was on his way. His friend chased him down and insisted he get Maddie's phone number. He reluctantly went back and got her number, and we parted ways again. The next day, much to Maddie's surprise, AJ texted her. After a few texts back and forth, AJ asked Maddie on a date, and she agreed. We went on one date, and both knew it was something special. We agreed to stay in contact, and a few days later, AJ left for Alaska again for nine months. We spent many hours over those nine months on the phone and texting. We got to know one another from a distance and grew in our feelings for one another. After nine long months, AJ came home and took Maddie on another date to Oak Brook, and we ended up spending the whole day together. The next few days, we spent all our free time together, and after a sweet date of apple picking and a fire at AJ's brother's house, we decided to start officially dating. The next few months were filled with meeting each other's families and growing to love one another even more. It did not take long for us to realize we wanted to spend forever together. We found companionship in our love for Christ and future goals in life. We spent months learning to love and grow with one another. Then, on July 3rd, AJ got down on one knee and asked Maddie to marry him. The Lord has been in our story the whole time. His guidance and strength put us together and showed us what true love and companionship can look like. It was through many prayers and distance that the Lord brought our unity to fruition. Now we get to spend eternity together, loving and serving the Lord!