Tyler and Melissa first crossed paths in high school. Though they ran in different circles and never spoke, each secretly harbored a crush on the other. Life took them in separate directions after graduation, leading to 15 years of different adventures across various states.

In late October, life brought Melissa back to Indiana for an extended stay. Tyler added her on Facebook shortly after, and she noticed he was back in the area, working at Wabash Castings—the same place as her dad. When she attended the company Christmas party in early January, she hoped to run into him. Sure enough, they exchanged brief life updates that night, and soon after, she messaged him to say how nice it was to see him.

That message turned into nonstop texting and a dinner date a week before Melissa was set to return to Florida. Over hours of conversation, it became clear this was more than just a reconnection. They spent every moment they could together until she left, agreeing to navigate a long-distance relationship.

As their bond grew, so did Melissa’s realization that Florida no longer felt like home. Missing her family and now Tyler, she decided to move back to Indiana. Her grandmother’s passing was a poignant reminder of the importance of family and home, and everything began to fall into place.

After finding the perfect house, Tyler and Melissa started building their life together. They tackled home ownership, adopted a dog, and shared dreams of a future together. In October, Tyler proposed in front of close friends and family, making their plans a reality.

Now, they can’t wait to officially say “I do” and begin the next chapter of their story—together.