How we met from Haley’s perspective
In March 2020, I was checking into my new command and decided to stop by early to introduce myself. When I walked into the work center, Branden was the only one who talked to me. It was so awkward. I left, unsure what to think, but a month later, I officially checked in.
Branden was on my shift, and I quickly noticed how handsome and funny he was. Wanting to prove myself, I always volunteered for extra jobs, which conveniently meant spending more time around him. I started asking about his hobbies, and when he mentioned hiking he invited me to go to a place called Jade Cove.
With COVID, our work schedule shifted to long weekends and short shifts, giving us time to explore. Hiking led to weekend estate sales, which turned into playing video games together. I invited him to Saturday night board game nights, and soon, any excuse to spend time with him was a good one. He even helped me fix my truck. He was the only person I could work with all day and still want to spend the rest of my time with.
By May 2020, we were dating. On May 4th, I convinced him to come over and watch all the *Star Wars* movies. We stayed up all night, and then, suddenly, the power went out. We stepped outside to see if it was out for everyone, and under the most beautiful night sky, just the two of us, I knew—this was it. It felt like fate.
Since then, we've built a life together. We moved in, traveled to meet each other's families, spent holidays together, and even took a trip to Hawaii, where Branden showed me his world. We adopted a dog, bought land in Missouri, and planned for a future full of adventure and freedom.
On September 1, 2024, in the breathtaking Redwoods of California, Branden proposed. A month later, we closed on our house, drove to our land, and started building our dream.
Branden brings me endless joy and love. There is no one else I would rather spend forever with. I love you Branden.
How we met from Branden’s perspective
The time when Covid was a thing, but only in China. Sitting at work, in Lemoore California, apart of the USNavy at VFA-151, a girl entered into our workcenter, claiming she would soon be transferred to our command. And then she left. After a brief and sponatanous encounter, little did I know, she'd be the one. A month later, she came back, seemingly out of the blue and was officially a part of VFA-151. Getting to know our new co-worker, i found she was smart, had great ideas, and didn't mind hardwork. Then the Covid shutdowns began, we were only authorized to go to the grocery store, home, and work. We also had three day weekends every week! With all this extra time, and wanting to explore California and found a place called Jade Cove on the coast, not far from another destination, Moonstone Beach. I excitingly told my new friend about this forbidden adventure, she looked like she wanted to also go, so i asked her, and she exclaimed "yes!" After a few outings, the line blurred from adventures to dates, we began spending more and more time together. I began to notice, i like this girl.
Building Our Dream
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The foundation
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Concrete poured
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Installing base plates
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Raising the arches
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Framing exterior walls
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Plywood
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House wrap Installed
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Still much more to do
Love around the world
There’s something truly magical about seeing the world with the person you love. Every new place becomes a shared memory, every challenge turns into a story to laugh about later, and every adventure deepens the bond between us. Branden and I have had the privilege of seeing parts of the world together, thanks to the Navy and our deployment. Through road trips, and overseas adventures, we’ve discovered that love isn’t just about where you are. It’s about who you experience it with.
Our journey started small, with road trips through Nevada, Texas, and Florida. Those early travels were simple but meaningful, teaching us how to navigate the road together. Both literally and figuratively. We learned the joy of detours, the excitement of discovering hidden gems, and the comfort of simply being in each other’s presence, no matter where we were.
Then came deployment, a time of challenge but also adventure. Together, we explored Guam, the Philippines, and Japan. Places filled with rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. In Japan, we marveled at the blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation, savoring delicious foods in tiny, tucked-away restaurants and wandering through serene shrines. In the Philippines, we were welcomed with warmth and hospitality, experiencing vibrant street markets and island sunsets that felt like something out of a dream. Guam gave us quiet moments of reflection, where the vast ocean stretched endlessly before us, reminding us how far we’d come and how much further we wanted to go. Our deployment adventures ended with exploring the beauty of Hawaii before making our way back to California.
Then we did the big move from California to Missouri. Twice, we packed up our lives and drove across the country, turning long stretches of highway into opportunities for deep conversations, singing along to our favorite songs, and making pit stops at sketchy gas stations.
Through every mile traveled, every new culture experienced, and every challenge faced, we’ve grown stronger as a couple. Traveling has taught us patience, adaptability, and the beauty of seeing the world through each other’s eyes. Whether it’s an overseas adventure or a quiet road trip through the Midwest, I know that as long as we’re together, the journey will always be worth it.
Because love, like travel, is about discovery—not just of new places, but of each other.
