Brandon’s story began in the small town of Page, Arizona, nestled beside the vast blue expanse of Lake Powell. But despite the natural beauty surrounding him, his early years felt anything but serene. Brandon was just 13 when he first picked up a cigarette, then weed, then something stronger. Drugs became his escape, a way to fill the empty spaces that school, family, and the quiet town couldn’t. By the time he was 18, addiction had gripped his life, and he thought it would always be this way.

But at 22, after years of spiraling, something inside Brandon clicked. He was tired—tired of the chaos, tired of letting drugs control his life. He made the hard decision to get sober, to start over. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t quick. There were days when he doubted himself, days when he wondered if the world was too big for someone like him. But with each sober day, Brandon built a new life—one with structure, with purpose, with possibility. By the time he was 24, Brandon was a skilled carpenter, proud of the work he did, and focused on living a life that didn’t just survive—but thrived.

Stephanie, on the other hand, grew up in Mesa, Arizona, a city filled with the bustle of suburban life. She was always the responsible one, the caring youngest sister, the student who would stay late to help a classmate. At 18, she packed up and moved to Flagstaff to attend Northern Arizona University. She loved the mountain air, the slower pace of life, and the chance to carve out her own future. Stephanie chose to study elementary education because she’d always had a passion for helping others, especially kids who struggled. She saw herself as someone who could make a difference, even if it was just in small ways.

It was during her time at NAU that she first dipped her toes into the world of online dating. She wasn’t necessarily looking for love, but after a few conversations with friends about how difficult it could be to meet people in a town full of students and transient residents, she decided to give it a try. And that’s how she met Brandon.

Brandon’s profile stood out immediately. He wasn’t flashy or overly polished like some of the other profiles she’d come across. Instead, his was honest and unpretentious—he talked about his work as a carpenter, his love for the outdoors, and, most importantly, his journey through sobriety. It was something Stephanie could relate to, even if her experiences weren’t the same. She admired his courage, his self-awareness. So, she sent him a message.

Brandon wasn’t sure what to expect. He had been out of the dating scene for a while—sobriety and rebuilding his life had kept him focused on more immediate goals. But when Stephanie’s message popped up, he couldn’t help but feel drawn to her sincerity. They started talking, and what began as casual conversation soon turned into something deeper. They shared their stories—his of addiction and recovery, hers of growing up in Mesa and adjusting to life in Flagstaff. There was an ease to their conversations, a natural flow that felt right.

A few weeks later, they agreed to meet in person to go see a movie. Brandon was nervous, but when he saw her walking toward him—Short, with a warm smile, and eyes that sparkled with curiosity—he immediately felt at ease. After the movie they spent hours talking, walking around the town, discovering shared interests and learning about each other’s pasts. Brandon was surprised by how easy it was to be around Stephanie. She was patient, kind, and didn’t judge him for his past. She listened to him, not as a man defined by his mistakes, but as someone worthy of a second chance.

Their connection grew stronger with each passing day. Stephanie supported Brandon’s sobriety without hesitation. She knew the road to recovery was never easy, but she admired his dedication. She understood the delicate nature of maintaining recovery. But with Brandon, it wasn’t just about support—it was about trust. She trusted him to be honest with her, to show up, and to continue growing. And Brandon, for the first time in a long time, believed that he could actually be the person he wanted to be—someone worthy of her love.

As their relationship deepened, Brandon found himself falling for Stephanie in ways he hadn’t expected. He had spent so many years building his life up from the ground, but with her, it felt like everything finally clicked into place. She was the missing piece, the person who gave his sobriety a new meaning. And for Stephanie, Brandon was someone who showed her the power of resilience, of never giving up, no matter how difficult the road ahead seemed.

One year into their relationship, they moved in together. Brandon continued to work as a carpenter, and Stephanie, having graduated from NAU, began working as an infant teacher. Their lives were busy, full of work and responsibilities, but they made time for each other. Their home, a small house in Flagstaff, was filled with love, laughter, and plans for the future.

When they found out they were expecting their first child, Liam, Brandon couldn’t contain his joy. He had never imagined being a father, but now, with Stephanie by his side, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. Their family grew when Delilah was born three and half years later, filling their home with even more love, noise, and chaos.

Through sleepless nights, temper tantrums, and the inevitable challenges of raising two young kids, Brandon and Stephanie remained a team. They supported each other, balanced each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and always found time to appreciate the little moments of joy in their hectic lives.

They absolutely cannot wait for this very special day when they can finally call each other husband and wife.