After matching on Hinge, Colin and Linnea started having hours-long Skype dates almost every evening. Since this was the beginning of the pandemic, they were not able to meet in person for a few months. Linnea: Yes, I absolutely took this photo when he wasn't looking! Look at that cutie! Colin: I took no photos, but still found her cute! She also didn't understand my early-to-rise habits at this point.

Once Colin was allowed to leave Fort Drum, Colin and Linnea were able to meet in person at Rainbow Falls. They went on a hike where they both promptly lost cell reception. Linnea: Losing cell service was good for getting to know each other, but bad for the friends who wanted to check in! Colin: As the one who suggested the location, I definitely forgot how backwoods it got and the importance of a cell phone connection for her going on a first date. Whoops.

Since Colin wasn't allowed to travel to Syracuse, the remainder of 2020 was spent either in Watertown, NY or traveling around the east coast. Linnea: I love traveling with Colin. Lots of hiking and getting up early to watch the sunrise! Colin: I suggested the sunrises. Someone else liked the idea, less so the "getting up early" part.

Colin and Linnea (and Ean) moved to Augusta! Linnea: I love this photo because it looks like Colin was the one with a lot of clothes/stuff. I definitely brought the clutter! Colin: She also brought the furniture, so it's all about balance.

Colin and Linnea had fun living together and exploring Georgia. Linnea: My favorite part about this photo is that it was December and we were SWEATING! Neither of us missed Upstate NY, but only one of us enjoyed the Georgia weather. Colin: While I didn't miss lake effect snowstorms, I could have used some of that cooler weather in Georgia. At least we were finally together under the same roof.

Homeowners! Colin and Linnea moved to North Carolina and bought a house! Linnea: And so began our shared obsession with gardening! Okay, maybe it's my obsession and Colin is just a good sport. Colin: I am a good sport. It has been a great experience building out our yard and gardens. Plus I got a neat hat.

Engaged! Colin got down on one knee on a stormy day in Wrightsville beach. Linnea: Best. Birthday. Ever. Colin: The incredibly windy weather was unplanned. The rest was planned and was successful!

Married! Colin and Linnea were married on Jekyll Island in Georgia. Linnea: My favorite part of this day (other than marrying the love of my life) was that the tide started to come in and everyone had to wade through a small river after the ceremony! Colin: The water crossing was quite the time! It was a great ceremony.

Deployment. Absence makes the heart grow fonder! Linnea: I'm definitely not a fan of deployments, but I'm grateful for the technology that allows us to talk! Colin: Kuwait would lead one to think the Earth is flat. Thankful for it being 2024, talking internationally is easy and something we get to do daily.