Stacie and Alec’s love story began in the crisp mountain air of Flagstaff, Arizona, in 2018, when they met in their Medical Nutrition class at Northern Arizona University. Stacie sat with her best friend Hannah, and on that first day, fate and curiosity drew Alec to sit beside them. Stacie’s eagerness to learn and her fearless engagement in class set her apart from many of the more reserved students, and it wasn’t long before Alec was captivated. Recognizing how challenging the class would be, Stacie and Hannah decided to form a study group. Alec eagerly invited himself to join—a decision he would later consider the best of his life. During those early study sessions, Alec’s dedication to academics stood out. He came prepared, ready to test his knowledge, and even volunteered to tackle online quizzes and assignments first, giving Stacie and Hannah a sneak peek at what to expect. As the group spent more time together, Alec’s interest in Stacie grew. When she spoke, he found himself gazing into her eyes, something Stacie wasn’t accustomed to. With a little encouragement from Hannah, Stacie quickly realized that she and Alec might just be a perfect match. Before long, their study sessions turned into one-on-one time, and casual meals evolved into their first official date at Karma Sushi—from that moment, their relationship blossomed. Always seeking adventure, Stacie and Alec explored the winding trails of the San Francisco Peaks, carved through fresh powder at Snowbowl, and biked beneath the canopies of the juniper trees in Sedona. They became inseparable, bonded by their shared love for fitness, food, travel, and the outdoors, making their relationship effortless and joyful. Stacie’s family warmly welcomed Alec into their lives, inviting him on incredible trips like a Caribbean cruise and boating adventures on Lake Powell within just a few months of their relationship. Likewise, Alec’s family embraced Stacie, who fit in seamlessly. After graduating from NAU, the couple moved to Highland Park, Illinois, where Stacie got a glimpse into Alec’s childhood and deepened her connection with his friends and family, who had shaped the man she had fallen in love with. Together, Stacie and Alec have built a beautiful life. In April 2022, they returned to Arizona and now live in Phoenix with their three adorable kittens (though some might call them cats) and network of amazing friendships. Still passionate about fitness and adventure, they continue to explore the great outdoors, competing in endurance races and embarking on camping trips across the country and the Southwest. From that fateful first day in class to their upcoming wedding and beyond, Stacie and Alec are ready to embark on a lifetime of new experiences, adventures, and unconditional love—a testament to the beautiful bond they’ve built and the bright future that lies ahead.