When the world froze in 2020, a relationship was set ablaze between a deputy and a trooper in Kent County, Michigan. The trooper, Jake, saw Alex, the deputy, during one of their midnight shifts. Jake was motivated to meet Alex, so he paid close attention to dispatched calls in her work area in case she needed any backup. After several cooperative investigations together, Jake realized that Alex's intense focus was on her job - which he admired - and so, the pursuit began. Jake reached out to Alex, who had no idea who Jake was, on social media. Alex found Jake attractive and ultimately accepted his suspect "friend" request. Alex and Jake talked for several days before she realized he was a trooper, who not only worked in her area, but that she had already met him several times during the investigations they had conducted together. Jake and Alex spent weeks seeing each other at work, had late-night conversations on their nights off, and shared posts on social media before they eventually shared a first date on May 10th, 2020. Alex met Noah, Jake's canine companion, and after Noah 'approved,' Jake knew she was a special woman. During that date, Jake shared his affinity for Star Wars and, sharing the same love, Alex knew that Jake was the man for her.

Working on the same shift allowed Jake and Alex to share similar experiences and perspectives that are unique to law enforcement. While off duty they began to expand their understanding of one another by spending time together, sharing their passions, and having open, deep conversations of what they were looking for in a partner. The couple quickly learned that the #1 passion in both of their lives was their families.

Jake knew that his family would be proud of Alex, and after one month of dating he knew it was time to introduce her to them. Instead of a low-key, cordial meet-and-greet with his closest people, Jake decided to ask Alex to fly over 1,000mi to Denver, Colorado, on a Cox family trip. After meeting the family immediately upon exiting the plane, Alex fit in with them as if she'd been a part of The Cox Family her entire life. Similarly, Alex knew that Jake would fit in well at the Heid Camp, so in the Summer of 2020 they met the well-traveled Heid family at a rustic campground in the middle of the night and spent the weekend camping and enjoying each other's company. Like Alex with The Cox Family, it was immediately apparent that Jake was a perfect fit for the Heid family.

No relationship is immune from challenges, and Jake and Alex are no exception. However, when they were faced with these difficulties, finding a resolution felt natural and easy even during the infancy stages of their relationship. After three months of dating, when Alex was faced with a decision on whether to rent an apartment or look for houses, Jake used the opportunity to take the leap and ask Alex to move-in with him and Noah in Rockford, Michigan. As months turned into years under the same roof, the couple learned even more about one another and began to establish their 'relationship fundamentals.' But now, at an accelerated pace in close quarters.

Alex and Jake's love for one another grew in the years together on Holmden Drive. As Alex and Jake settled into their new relationship under the same roof, personal faults and relationship challenges emerged. Despite six years difference in life experience, Alex and Jake maintained forward-growth mindsets that were founded in empathy, understanding, and love. Fueled by a mutual respect for communication, this foundation led to a blueprint that enabled them to handle any challenge placed in front of them; together. They even decided to add another furry member to their small family, Phoebe.

As a symbolic gesture to their strong relationship foundation, Alex and Jake began to run Spartan Races together. For those unfamiliar, the Spartan Races are a grueling outdoor terrain races with challenging obstacles and, at times, long periods of silence and pain. Alex and Jake quickly compared these races to the hardships of life. Jake and Alex trained together and eventually competed alongside one another in several races. Their 'why' became each other both in the races, and symbolically in life. They have traveled to Notre Dame, Indiana; Seattle, Washington; and Nashville, Tennessee, to compete together. On July, 13th 2024, Alex and Jake completed their fifth Spartan Race together that led to the biggest prize of them all; an engagement ring.

During their free time, Alex and Jake can be found hiking their favorite nature trail or working out. Alex loves to come up with ridiculous date ideas (such as the "Hot Ones Challenge") to keep their relationship spicey. They also enjoy the simpler things in life such as playing completely different video games in the same room while not talking to each other, yet completely content just being in each other's presence. But most of all, Alex and Jake love spending time together with their fur babies, Phoebe (3) and Noah (10).

Alex and Jake have a huge love for traveling to new places together and exploring, which is why a destination wedding is a perfect fit to start the next chapter of their lives, which they are most excited to share with their friends and family. Even for those who are unable to make it, your presence has been felt in some manner, at some point in their relationship, and your continued support will still empower them into, and through their marriage.