Taylor and Paul first crossed paths during their time at the University of Minnesota at various greek life events and parties. They didn’t officially meet until the summer between their sophomore and junior years, when they were assigned lab partners in organic chemistry. Paul fell hard. Taylor was a bit slower to warm up, insisting they were "just friends" for a year. On September 16th, 2018, they officially became a couple, and from that moment on, there was no looking back. Almost a year later, Paul received the news that he had been accepted into medical school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Though the distance was a challenge, they kept their relationship strong. Paul liked to remind Taylor to take it day by day, otherwise the reality of their future was too daunting. When the pandemic hit and Paul’s school moved to virtual classes, he took full advantage of the situation and practically moved in with Taylor and her parents, Mike and Cheri, for the summer. In July 2022, Taylor moved to Michigan to begin medical school, putting even more miles between them. But in March 2023, everything fell into place: Paul found out he would be starting his Emergency Medicine residency at the same school where Taylor was studying. After four years of long-distance, they were finally able to be in the same city again. Living together confirmed their love for each other, and they both knew this would be forever. Paul called Taylor’s parents and her sister, Alex, over FaceTime to ask for their blessing to propose. Then, on September 18th, 2024, Paul took Taylor (and Berkley) on a romantic winery and beach date in Saugatuck, MI. As they walked along the beach they 'stumbled upon' a picnic where Paul got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. She said yes, and just like that, their incredible journey together hit a new milestone. Paul arranged for Taylor's family to fly in and attend a surprise engagement party at their apartment rooftop. Taylor and Paul will complete their programs during the summer of 2026. They are anxiously awaiting to find out where Taylor's residency will take them on their next adventure!