We officially met in 2013 when we had the same history class in 8th grade. We instantly clicked and became friends. Unfortunately our freshman year of high school, Nolan moved out of Stoughton, but we never lost our connection. Throughout high school we talked nearly everyday and created a bond. Our senior year of high school, Nolan decided to do track, which Payton did as well (permission to laugh if you know Payton). We reconnected during the track season when our schools would be at the same meet. After high school graduation, Nolan went into the work force and Payton went to UW-Madison. Not being able to see each other everyday was an adjustment, but nothing compared to what was to come. Nolan enlisted in the Army in September 2019, and the couple has been long distance since. He has a few years left of his contract and Payton recently graduated from nursing school on May 14.