Lex and Steven's romance began in the heat of Summer, July 9th 2014.

They didn't know each other at first, but had mutual friends at Brighton High School that set them up to be officially introduced to each other at the Oak Point Country Club Pool.

They instantly felt their connection.

They dated on and off for 2 years, but they ultimately decided to pursue other interests.

However, on August 12th of 2020, they rekindled their friendship and bonded over their mutual separations from their partners, giving them a serendipitous opportunity to grow closer to one another.

Despite the 5 years they spent apart, they say it felt as though no time had passed. Even though they had grown in many different aspects of life, they still felt like they were the same people that met at the pool all those years ago.

After Lex and Steven began their official relationship, Lex got a dog Rollo in January of 2021. This furry friend made their relationship feel like a little family.

They spent nearly every day together, and loved to pass the time playing board games, card games, and Pokemon. Their shared love of Indie Rock Music was another thing they enjoyed bonding over.

Lex and Steven packed their things and moved in together. They found an apartment across the state in Grand Rapids and decided that was where they wanted to build their life together.

There, Steven worked in the restaurant business and Lex was pursuing her second degree Masters at GVSU for school counseling.

They enjoyed the proximity to their friend Tessa, they explored new food and shopping places, and frequented the beach often.

They rescued and welcomed into their little family their new cat Ivar and Lex's favorite family pet, Black Cat, came to live with them as well.

Their little family was filling out nicely.

Lex and Steven then moved to Milford and Lex got her first job working as an ABA which propelled the trajectory for her career. Steven also flourished in his position at the same company which brought them closer together and allowed them to figure out what the rest of their lives would look like.

Lex pursued her Masters degree in ABA and they moved into their first house in Royal Oak in May 29 of 2024. Around this time, Lex finished her Masters Degree and sat for her board exams.

Rollo loved the new space in their back yard.

They enjoyed taking walks at their local park, and hosting their friends for group game nights, and frequenting the flea market.

Right after Lex received her BCBA, Blackie became ill and sadly passed away. Lex and Steven buried him in their back yard and for that reason, that house will always have a special place in their hearts.

Through her Aunt Kelsie, Lex found out there was a young malnourished kitten in the area that needed a family. When they heard of a small black kitten resembling Blackie, they knew what they needed to do. That small, mangled kitten filled a Blackie-sized hole in their hearts. They decided to adopt him with the help of Kelsie's Mom, a Vet Tech in the area, and welcomed them into their growing family.

In May of 2025, Steven began working at MI Turf Pros. He was thrilled to have this opportunity to work with a team of like-minded guys and return to working with his hands, this time in a way that also incorporated strategy & design. This new occupation was fulfilling to Steven.

Steven knelt down to ask Lex to be his wife on January 19th, 2025.

Lex was snuggled upstairs with a bad head cold and Steven, being the doting boyfriend, brought her cheese quesadilla and broccoli soup (one of her favorite comfort meals).

In their bedroom, loft upstairs, the ceilings were extremely slanted, so Steven was constantly bent over when he was moving around.

Lex barely noticed he wasn't in fact bending over, but was kneeling with a ring in his hand.

This moment was simple, but highlighted the true caring character of Steven towards Lex and how he would always be there for her in sickness and in health.

Of course, she said yes!

In November of 2025, Lex and Steven bought their first home in Highland, Michigan. This 1800's single-family Folk Victorian home met & exceeded their dreams for a first home.

This new home offered a sense of antique charm and style that's impossible to replicate. Beyond this, they have a big fenced-in back yard, close proximity to a nature area with hiking trails, and only a 5 minute drive from Lex's immediate family.

With more space for play, Lex and Steven thought Rollo would enjoy having another dog to run around with. After a lot of anticipation, they welcomed home their new puppy Ragnar in January of 2026.

They are enjoying new opportunities to work on home projects together. Combining Steven's handy craftsmanship and Lex's eye for design, they are eager to begin reaping the benefits of their work and dedication to their lives together.