Her Side I was a senior in high school in Yorba Linda, California when the pandemic hit, and I had nothing better to do than to get to know other incoming freshman of Ouachita Baptist University via social media. On April 1st 2020, I received a text from a boy in Texas named Chad. We instantly started texting nonstop and eventually started talking all night long over Facetime for almost 2 months. It was the feeling that I finally met my soulmate and I wanted nothing more than to meet him in person. After finding out my high school graduation got cancelled and Chad's did not, I had the crazy idea of flying to Texas by myself to attend his graduation. Somehow both families allowed it, and I flew from LAX to DFW on May 21st, 2020 to meet Chad for the first time. I was SO nervous the entire plane ride, and for the first time in my life, I was speechless when I first saw him standing by the baggage claim at the DFW airport. It was an awkward interaction at first since we were practically strangers in person, but we knew everything about each other. Our first date after leaving the airport was Buc-ee’s (for those who understand), and then I had to meet his entire family and sleep over at his house all in the first day! Let's just say, it was a day filled with a lot of joy and nervousness! It was the craziest thing I have ever done, but the best decision ever! I was so obsessed with him back then and I am even more obsessed now ♡ His Side When looking at colleges to swim at, an old coach of mine, Dawson Pritchard, offered me a spot on the team. Soon after my commitment to Ouachita Baptist University, I joined the incoming class group chat. That same day, April 1st, 2020, I texted this girl, who I thought was cute, named Alexis. As we continued to text, Alexis noticed that I occasionally played video games and insisted on playing with me online. While playing, I could tell something was off because she was somehow doing better than me. Alexis later admitted she was trying to impress me by having her three brothers play for her while she talked to me on the microphone. The next day, I offered to Facetime call so that we could have a conversation which ended up feeling like our first date. We consistently called every night for the next 2 months and being that the pandemic was prominent, I would stay up until 4 a.m. on the phone with Alexis. I thought the first time that I would get to meet her would be in August when we moved to college. However, in May of 2020, Alexis told me that her parents would allow her to fly out and see me, if my parents also agreed to host. I thought “Dang, this girl must really like me”. My parents gave the green light for Alexis to fly in to attend my high school graduation and celebrate my 18th birthday on the same weekend. So it may not have been the most romantic greeting at the DFW airport, but it was the most unforgettable because I met the love of my life.

Chad's Birthday: May 23, 2002 Officially Dating: May 22, 2020 Got Engaged: May 9, 2024 Soon-to-be Married: May 24, 2026