Even though we grew up attending the same small school and sharing quite a bit of mutual community, we both feel like we met a totally new person in 2022. Both of us were living in Redmond after graduating college. Luke's brother Caleb and sister-in-law Sam hosted a Christmas party with some old friends from high school. All the Mahnke sisters were invited. McKenna remembers being a bit suspicious of how much Luke was talking with her. We both remember scheming together in the board games we played. Luke had quite a crush, but he had just accepted a job in Austin, Texas and was moving in 2 weeks. He asked McKenna out for a new years date regardless. "I'm moving halfway across the country next week, so no pressure right?" After our first New Year's date, Luke told Sam he wished they could go on another date... well, actually quite a few more. His move to Texas he was so excited about just a week before was now feeling bittersweet. Sam told him about a book she was reading where two childhood friends agree to go on a date on the same day each year if they're single while back home for holidays. She said we should try to live out this hallmark story. Luke moved to Texas and a few months later McKenna moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Over the next year, we didn't talk much. Then came the following holidays. While looking at flights, Luke found a flight with a layover in Phoenix on New Year's. Remembering Sam's idea of a yearly New Year's date, Luke booked the ticket with the hope something might work out. He then told McKenna he'd be in Phoenix on New Year's. It happened to be the only day she was free between holiday, travel, and work. We went on our second date, and at the end Luke said he liked her, and wanted to try to get to know her while long distance. "I'd love to even call you in a few weeks so we don't just text?" McKenna felt the same. Only two days later, Luke called McKenna and we talked... for 3 hours. This continued for about a month before he flew out to Phoenix for a music festival. At the end of the weekend trip, we decided to make things official. A few weeks later, McKenna visited Luke in Austin. We took turns visiting each other over the next year, each time falling a bit more in love. We decided it was time for one of us to move so we could see where this thing really goes. In February 2025, Luke moved to Phoenix. Over the next 10 months, we matured as a couple and learned how to build our lives together. Luke decided to propose, and there was only one date that made sense. On New Year's Eve, he popped the question and McKenna said yes. We're so excited to commit our lives to each other and put each other first every day. Thank you to all our friends and family who have supported us along the way.