OUR STORY

We started dating on May 16, 2016. Although we knew each other throughout middle school and early high school, our relationship truly began when we shared a math class together. Spontaneously, in the most Theo fashion, he asked Ellianna to prom just a week before. Little did we know, what started as a casual promposal quickly blossomed into something much more meaningful. 

 

We dated throughout the rest of high school, never quite knowing where this relationship would lead. Those early years were filled with building a strong friendship, cheering each other on—whether at a soccer game or a swim meet—and looking forward to Friday night football games, the next big dance, and countless small moments like Sonic dates, late-night drives, Ellianna doing Theo’s homework, and spontaneous adventures. As Theo began the recruiting process with the goal of playing college soccer, we faced our first big decision as a couple: would we commit to a long-distance relationship? While we both put a lot of thought into it, it was incredible how in sync we were, knowing it would be challenging but absolutely worth it. 

 

Through the next chapter of our relationship we made intentional efforts to stay connected while cherishing the opportunity to grow as individuals on our own paths throughout college. From Spokane, Washington to Columbia, Missouri we found connection in late-night FaceTime calls and occasional flights across the country. We are so thankful for the chance to fully invest in our college experiences, cultivating lifelong friendships, chasing personal growth and learning how to continuously support each other in each new phase of life. Those years taught us resilience and trust and made the opportunity to come back together in Colorado again, an even sweeter experience. 

 

After graduating, stepping into the “real world” was quite an adjustment—but for the first time in five years, we finally got to live in the same town! To say we were excited is an understatement. This season of life has been filled with immense growth, both personally and professionally. We each started our first full-time jobs, learning to push ourselves and support each other growing in our careers. For the first year and a half after college, we both lived at home, which turned out to be such a meaningful time. We were spoiled with home-cooked meals and precious moments of catching up with our families, whom we deeply missed while away at school. It also gave us the chance to save money and work toward a shared goal: buying our first home together.

 

In January 2024, that dream became a reality. Buying our first home was even more special because both of our families fully invested in the process. Renovating the house meant so much more with their help—finding connections, ripping out tile, painting walls, and cleaning until the place felt like ours. We moved in together in March, and to no surprise —living with your best friend is even better than we imagined. The little moments we now get to share, have become some of our absolute favorites.

 

Though our house projects seem never-ending (and they can be tough and expensive for two young, broke kids), they've been so good for our relationship. Tackling challenges as a team reminds us how much we love working toward shared goals. In May, we added our sweet dog, Sky, to our family. She's brought so much joy to our lives, and thanks to Theo’s countless hours of training, Sky is well on her way to being the perfect pup. Raising and training her has been yet another adventure that’s brought us closer and deepened our relationship.

 

Now, we’re fully immersed in planning our wedding and loving every second of it. We cannot find the words to express how grateful we are for the community of people who have invested in both of us and our relationship. We truly believe we are where we are today because of the incredible role models, mentors, friends, and family who have shaped us as individuals and as a couple. Having all of our favorite people in one place is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and for that, we want to say thank you. Thank you for the love, support, and guidance you’ve given us—it means the world.

 

With all of our love and gratitude, 

Theo & Ellianna