Once upon a time, in a quaint small city, (San Antonio, Texas) Nick and Raechel downloaded Hinge (a dating app) with little to no expectations and some first date horror stories. On August 14th, 2022, they decided to give the app one last chance and met for a first date at La Gloria’s in the Pearl. With a comically small quesadilla and a few margaritas, something clicked between the pair in what could only be described as “fate”. As time progressed and dates were had and fortune cookies were gate kept (more on this later); one year of distance loomed over their heads as Nick would soon be leaving for South Korea. After completing B-Course for the F-16, Nick left for Korea in January 2023. As Nick filled his days with acronyms like DCA and OCA and BFM, Raechel filled her days with acronyms like CBT and DBT and ACT. The two pushed through long distance with care packages, a shared journal, friendship lamps, and creative FaceTime dates. Halfway through this year long trial, Nick flew Raechel out to Korea where they spent a month together exploring Seoul and even took a trip to Thailand. They reunited then separated again for 6 more months. The relationship took a more serious turn as “I love you’s” were exchanged and talks of moving in together surfaced. By the end of the year, Raechel finished her Masters to become a therapist and Nick was back on US soil. This was not the end though for the two as Raechel joined Nick at the beginning of 2024 in scorching hot Arizona while he completed his TX training for the F-35. Even through 100 days of over 100 degree heat, the couple persevered and navigated their next move to Salt Lake City, Utah by August 2024. After three and a half years of distance, deployments, TDYS, trainings, new jobs, and quite literally all of the seasons, on February 7th, 2026 Nick proposed to Raechel!!! (with a gorgeous ring claps and snaps for Nick). Within this proposal, after being pestered about it for 3 years, Nick took out the fortune he received (and gate kept) on their 4th date (at Rebecca Creek Distillery) and shared it with Raechel (finally!!!) which read “the love of your life will appear in front of you unexpectedly!”. The most adorable rom com plot twist of the century, someone should send this to Hollywood. I digress. Though the two eloped on March 29th, 2026 in the presence of their friends and virtual presence of their families, they will be celebrating their love on October 17th, 2026. Thus not ending, but instead beginning, a whole new chapter in their lives. Surely to be filled with more moves, different seasons, jobs, and exciting news with the same love (albeit stronger) that led them to today.