Because we didn't know what the world would look like in August (amongst other factors, including but not limited to our annoying wedding venue...) we are no longer planning an August Wedding Party. It is Bekah's one and only dream (besides marrying the hunk that is Sean Berry) to have an incredible dance party with loved ones near and far. We have dreamed many versions of what that would look like and the vision changes every day. It will happen in the next few years, maybe after we settle back into the normal pace of a non-pandemic world. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us in person and in spirit. And thank you to everyone who has asked about this year's party! We had the most magical day on August 15th, 2020 and we look forward to the day when we can get everyone together for an awesome RAGER.

I would be shocked if you haven't heard this story yet because it is now my favorite to tell. Upon reflection, I am pretty sure this is the only way I was going to meet my future husband... I was enjoying a night at the Roller Derby when a 90's cover band took to the stage for the halftime show. Not one to turn down an opportunity to dance, I pushed past many children to bust a move next to the stage. The keytar player, dressed in all white, caught my eye and I boldly yelled to a friend, "I'm going to hit on him." For some reason, I knew I had to follow through. After a failed attempt face-to-face, (how do you flirt?), I messaged the band on Facebook. The entire band. I was sure the only result of this was going to be another good story for my future memoir. But thank the Lord, after a few days, Sean saw the message, started up a conversation, did NOT mention how embarrassing my message was, and asked me out on the best first date ever. It is worth noting that after our first date ended, I highlighted three very important things to my roommate, Emily: 1) He had a calculus tattoo, 2) He was a Christian, and 3) I was pretty sure I was going to marry him. Our first dance is "Dreams" by The Cranberries. Fistful of Datas played this song that night. I stared at Sean and waited for him to play, and he stared back. "And oh, my dreams/ It's never quite as it seems/ Cause you're a dream to me."

It was the most obvious thing in the world to me that I wanted to marry Bekah. The plan was to propose in an alley at the site of our first date where we held hands for the first time. I was going to say “I want to hold your hand for the rest of my life”. But that is NOT what happened. We spent the whole day together, recreating our initial dates. First it was ice skating and Sociable Cider Werks (our second date), then it was Volstead’s Emporium, a speakeasy, in the evening (our first date). I had the ring in my front jacket pocket all day and was paranoid Bekah was going to notice. At one point I went to the bathroom and chucked the ring box because it was way too bulky - surely she already saw it and was being nice. When we made it to Volstead’s, we passed by that alley and it looked way less romantic than I remember. It was brightly lit, dirty, and cold. But Bekah loves doing stupid stuff with me so maybe it would be fine. While getting drinks, I was hamming up the ‘first date’ angle, so I asked her if there’s anything I don’t know about her. She busted out this list of questions you can ask someone to supposedly fall in love with them: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/11/style/36-questions-that-lead-to-love.html When she got to the question: “Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?” I couldn’t contain my smile. I wanted to marry her. So I told her that, plainly. Then I froze… should I bust out the ring right now? Or go with the original plan? After a moment of just staring at her with a big dumb smile on my face I decided to roll with it and proposed right there and then. I can’t wait to do more impulsive things with this lady.