Our Story
How We Met
Fall 2018
We met during our freshman year at Whitworth University in Spokane, bonding over our shared interests as English majors, students in the Honors Program, and involvement in youth ministry. Despite our connection, we remained friends at the time.
The Start
Spring 2021
In our junior year, we took the same Russian Literature course (very romantic). We had busy semesters per usual, but we found ourselves studying together, editing each others' papers, and losing track of time chatting in the garden outside of the English department building.
First Date
Summer 2021
Over the summer, we kept in touch through writing letters and talking for hours on the phone. Annika surprised Aaron at the summer camp where he was working in August and shortly after we went on our first date. A hike and a dinner later, it was official!
Senior Year
Fall 2021 - Spring 2022
Our first year of dating was a whirlwind, but so much fun. Aaron was busy with full-time student teaching, while Annika worked as a Resident Director. We both decided to spend the following year teaching English abroad—Aaron received a Fulbright Scholarship to Taiwan, and Annika chose Spain.
Long Distance
Summer 2022 - 2023
We loved our experiences in Spain and Taiwan, although spotty connection and time zone differences tested our patience every now and then. Annika visited Aaron in December, fell in love with Taiwan even in its gloomy wet winter, and applied to teach there the following year.
Taiwan Together
Summer 2023 - 2024
We both moved to Taitung, a rural coastal city in southeast Taiwan with a slower pace of life. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, we got around on scooters and worked in vibrant school communities. We surfed, backpacked, made new friends, ran races, hosted dance classes, and more.
Recently...
Fall 2024 - Now
We returned home in July and took jobs in our hometowns: Aaron, as a high school teacher for students with emotional behavioral disorders in Chehalis, and Annika as a legal assistant in downtown Seattle. Aaron proposed on October 5th, 2024 on the beach at Lincoln Park. The ring belonged to Aaron’s mother Sarah, who passed of late-stage breast cancer in 2015. Annika said yes and was glad she didn’t have to wait any longer!
Excited to Say I Do!
July 2025
We hold a lot of gratitude in our hearts for all the seasons that God has carried us through together, from nursing Annika back to health from E. coli in the mountains of northern Vietnam to Annika "comforting" Aaron after repeatedly beating him at Bananagrams. Through a lot of discernment, patience, and little moments of great joy, God has been a light on our path. We're also thankful for the people who have shaped and supported us along the way. We can't wait for this married life together!
