Their story began in AP World History during their sophomore year of high school. Though Riley and Olivia had seen each other before—he was the kicker on the football team, and she was the captain of the cheer squad—it wasn’t until they found themselves sitting just a few rows apart in class that something more began to spark. Soon after they started talking, they realized they lived only a neighborhood apart. From that moment on, things fell into place effortlessly. Their early “dates” were simple but unforgettable—hitting balls at the Sky Creek Ranch golf range, making late-night Whataburger runs, and finding comfort in each other’s company. Eight months later, on November 30th, 2019, Riley asked Olivia to be his girlfriend, officially beginning a love story that neither of them could have imagined. Over the next two years, they created memories that defined their high school years—two homecomings, prom, and all the small, in-between moments that made life feel full. But as senior year came to a close, they faced a new challenge together: long distance. In June 2021, Riley left for Plebe Summer at the U.S. Naval Academy—a grueling 7-week boot camp where their only communication came in the form of handwritten letters and two short phone calls. When they were finally reunited in August, it was only for a short while before Olivia left for College Station to begin her freshman year at Texas A&M University. From that point on, they built their relationship across hundreds of miles—Riley in Maryland, studying Aerospace Engineering and punting for the Navy football team, and Olivia in Texas, where she joined Delta Zeta sorority and pursued a degree in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Biomedical Research, focusing on Mathematical Modeling of the Heart. Despite the distance, they stayed closer than ever. Olivia made countless trips to Annapolis to support Riley at his games and events like Navy’s Ring Dance, while Riley traveled to College Station for Olivia’s Aggie Ring Dunk and other special A&M traditions. Every mile between them was bridged by love, faith, and unwavering commitment. During their junior year, Riley received his service selection: Naval Aviation. It was one of many milestones they celebrated from afar, counting down the days until they’d no longer have to say goodbye. Then, in May 2025, both reached a major milestone—Riley graduated from the Naval Academy as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, and Olivia graduated from Texas A&M with her degree in Biomedical Sciences. But just before that day arrived, on the evening of May 17th, 2025, Riley planned something unforgettable. That Saturday, like so many weekends before, Riley and Olivia attended Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Downtown Annapolis—the same church they had gone to together throughout his time at the Academy. After the service, they strolled down to the water, as they often did, hand in hand and heart to heart. There, with the quiet of the harbor surrounding them and six years of love behind them, Riley got down on one knee and asked Olivia to spend the rest of her life with him. She said yes. As if the moment wasn’t magical enough, they were soon surprised by the arrival of both their families—including Olivia’s parents, who had flown all the way from Singapore to be there. What followed was an evening full of tears, laughter, and celebration with the people who had supported them through every chapter of their journey. From high school sweethearts to long-distance soulmates, Riley and Olivia have grown together through every season of life. Now, they’re finally beginning the one they’ve waited for so long—side by side. And they can’t wait to celebrate the beginning of forever with the people who’ve meant the most to them along the way.