We met online while I was living in Reno, Nevada, and Wade was in Nevada City, California. Even with the miles between us, we felt an instant connection that made the distance seem small. Our very first date was at the Public Donner Lake Docks on beautiful Donner Lake. Since we were both working night shifts, we met in the afternoon for “breakfast,” and the hours flew by. One of us even ended up late to work that day — but it was absolutely worth it. For the next three years, we made the drive back and forth between Reno and Nevada City, crossing mountain passes, sitting in traffic, and sometimes facing winter storms that shut the roads down completely. Those drives became the backdrop of our early years together — late-night podcasts, car snacks, tired eyes after long shifts, and the excitement of finally being together. Through every mile and every storm, we kept choosing each other. As we grew together, we learned how to communicate through hard conversations, support each other through challenges, and become better versions of ourselves. We also discovered just how much fun we have together. We’re truly best friends — always willing to try each other’s hobbies, whether it’s Wade giving snowboarding a try or me jumping into competitive shooting. Looking back, it feels like everything in our lives was leading us to each other. From my move from Michigan to Reno, to unexpected twists — like losing my job — that turned out to be blessings in disguise. That season brought us even closer and eventually led to me moving in with Wade. From then on, everything felt easy, natural, and exactly right. We built a home and a daily life together. Now, we’re beyond excited to begin this next chapter — still growing, still laughing, and still choosing each other every day. And just like every mountain pass we crossed to get here, we know we can make it through anything — as long as we’re doing it together.