Gavin and Amber first met during the spring semester of 2017 at Bowling Green State University’s Firelands campus, where they were both members of The Society of Fandom and Gaming club. However, it wasn’t until the fall semester of that year that they truly got to know each other—and silently adored one another!

During that semester, Amber served as vice president of the club, while Gavin had just been elected treasurer. Amber humorously recalls asking the club president for Gavin’s phone number “just in case” she needed it for communications—even though they saw each other almost every day. She then found his number and added him on Snapchat. On the night of September 23, 2017, she finally worked up the courage to send the message that would change their lives forever: “Hi, you’re cute.”

That was it.

To her surprise, Gavin responded almost immediately with, “You too.” Gavin was working, and recalls telling his coworker about the message, and his coworker being excited for him!

Amber remembers feeling both terrified and oddly confident in that moment. It was the boldest thing she had ever said to a potential date! At the time, she was camping with her family and, unfortunately, didn’t have her phone charger with her. Her phone died that night, but by the next day, she and Gavin had already made plans for their first date—a trip to see IT in theaters on September 30.

Their first date was nerve-wracking for both of them. Amber remembers panicking to her best friend beforehand, but as soon as they were together, everything just clicked. After the movie, they spent the evening at Gavin’s parents’ house, where Amber met his mom, grandma, and Aunt Claudia. The very next day, on October 1, they officially became boyfriend and girlfriend.

Over the years, their relationship grew stronger. They worked side by side for two years at Dave’s Food Mart in Norwalk, and in May 2018, Amber moved in with Gavin and his parents. They bought each other promise rings on their one-year anniversary. Gavin later left Dave’s for a job at the quarry in late 2019, and during the pandemic, he graduated from BGSU with a Bachelor of Liberal Studies. Inspired by his perseverance, Amber returned to nursing school, where she graduated at the top of her class in 2022 with her LPN license. Determined to keep going, she immediately pursued her RN license—again finishing at the top of her class. She credits Gavin for being her biggest source of motivation, always cheering her on and believing in her.

In January 2024, they reached a huge milestone when they moved into their first home together. Amber then decided to take on another challenge—finishing what she started by earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Through every step, they have grown together, achieving more than they ever imagined, all because they had each other.

One of the greatest joys they share is their deep love for Eevee, their (technically Gavin’s parents’) dog. They joke about their “shared custody” arrangement, bringing her over for weekend visits as often as possible.

Then came the day that changed everything.

On July 20, 2024, they took a day trip with friends. Gavin had the engagement ring with him the entire time, waiting for the perfect moment. He ultimately found it in the backyard of his best man, Grayson, surrounded by their closest friends. Amber was completely caught off guard—she had no idea where he had managed to hide the ring all that time, and how he kept his cool!

Now, as they plan their future together, they continue to take on life side by side, proud of the life they’ve built and excited for all that’s still to come.

Photos Through the Years