Austin and Courtney’s story began in Houston long before their college days. They had the same friend group from 5th to 8th grade until Austin moved away. Who knew that years later they would reconnect at The University of Tulsa (TU). While at TU, Austin and Courtney created a close friendship. It was not until senior year, after a night at the local dive bar, the Buccaneer, and a few cheap beers that a romantic connection would form. Their lavish first date included Chinese takeout & taking Courtney’s car for an oil change. Although hesitant about starting a relationship senior year, they decided to give it a go. After graduation, Courtney moved to Amarillo for her job while Austin finished his master’s degree in Tulsa. The couple spent a year making the 6-hour drive between Texas and Oklahoma to try to spend as much time together as possible. While distance was not easy, they were able to develop their communication skills on a deeper level. Once Austin graduated, he moved to Amarillo as well to begin life with Courtney. In July of 2019, they traveled to Minnesota for a family gathering. While taking photos at the exact location Courtney’s parents were married over 25 years ago, Austin snuck behind and Courtney turned around to find Austin on one knee with a ring in his hand! After the commitment of a proposal, they decided to get their first dog, a fun-loving miniature Bernedoodle they named Monte. Soon after the craziness of a new puppy, the couple bought their first home together in Borger, TX. In September of 2019, Austin joined Courtney working at Phillips 66 and the couple settled into their lives in small town Texas. They quickly learned that Monte needed a pal, so they brought home Marley, a sweet-tempered Goldendoodle. Since then, they have been enjoying their time living and working together! After surviving months quarantined together, they couldn’t be more positive that they have both found the person they were meant to spend forever with.