Some love stories begin with fireworks. Theirs was more of a slow burn that began with high school pool parties, game nights, and a shared group of close friends. When Steven and Stephanie first met in high school they were simply friends by association. Life eventually led them in different directions, sending them off to separate colleges and new experiences. Years later, when Stephanie moved back to their hometown to complete her doctorate, fate stepped back in. Steven was one of the few people who reached out, suggesting they catch up. What started as a simple invitation turned into drinks, laughter, and an epic Pac-Man showdown. Most importantly they shared their first kiss, the kind that immediately tells you everything is about to change. In that moment, Steven knew this was the woman he wanted to spend his life with. From then on, their connection only grew stronger. As summer carried into winter they spent countless days traveling, spending time with friends and family, and helping Stephanie pass her board exams. As she gratefully accepted a position in Arizona to work for Navajo Nation Indian Health Service, it was a bitter sweet moment for the couple. What followed was over a year and a half of long-distance love. This challenged them in ways that only made their connection deeper and their love stronger. Together, they turned the distance into adventure: traveling across several states and countries, riding in a hot air balloon, dog sledding, and collecting memories that would last a lifetime together. Eventually, after years of traveling together, traveling apart, and countless hours on FaceTime, Steven made his way across the country to join Stephanie and their sweet dachshund, Vienna, in Arizona. There they built a life filled with hiking and exploring the surrounding areas, resulting in a deep appreciation for the beauty and culture of the Indigenous People of the fours corners region. In February 2025, they returned to one of their favorite vacation spots in Durango, Colorado for a Valentine’s Day trip. After convincing Stephanie he needed a new profile picture for social media, they headed to the Lion’s Den Lookout. A breathtaking place Steven picked out for this special moment he was secretly planning. With the snowcapped mountains behind them and his heart racing, Steven got down on one knee and asked her to spend forever with him. She said yes! (And nearly passed out from the shock of it all) Now, they are thrilled to say “I do” and begin the next chapter of this beautiful, unexpected, and very real love story. This summer they plan to return to their hometown of Virginia Beach, excited to be closer to family, friends, and the familiar comforts that shaped them both. Their love story is one that grew with time and proved that sometimes, the right person has been right there all along.