HER SIDE Jon and I first connected in early February of 2018. I was on my way home from Nurse's Day at the Legislature in Pierre, SD. It was late, the bus ride was boring, and my friend and I needed some "entertainment"... So we hopped onto my bumble account and started swiping. How unbelievably millennial, I know! Jon and I "matched" that night and had a short conversation. He seemed sweet, but at the time my relationship with Christ was really all I wanted to pour my heart into. I was not looking to divide my attention any where else. So, I deleted the app without a word to him. Poor guy was devastated (i think), hehe. Fast forward to late March, and I decided it was time to delete my account all together. I downloaded the app again...logged in...and there was a message from Jonathan. (how cute) Curiosity took over and I opened it. His last message to me talked about how much he missed his mom (we love her) and how long it had been since he had seen her. Keep in mind this message was sent two months ago, and I am just now reading it! So, I decided what the heck, and responded with, "I hope you have seen your mom by now, sorry about the casual two month delay." He almost IMMEDIATELY responded (again, how cute), and procured my snapchat account so he wouldn't lose me again (hehe). We still didn't meet in person for nearly two months after that, but I knew even before then that he was going to forever be someone special in my life. This man cared for me so completely. He supported me without hesitation, and always encouraged me to keep pushing forward. He was and still is my biggest fan. How can you not start falling for a man like that? God is Good and I am so blessed. xoxo Abilene

HIS SIDE It was a brisk February day in Vermillion when my phone vibrated in my pocket, alerting me to a message. It was the one and only Abilene Kate Heiberger messaging me on Bumble. She graced me with a brief conversation, before completely ghosting me for several months. I was obviously devastated, but somehow put one foot in front of the other until I felt my phone go off once more. This time I made sure to secure her snapchat information and we were off to the races. It was an extremely busy time in both of our lives so we spoke for a few months over the phone getting to know eachother before I could get her to come down to Vermillion. My roommate of the time, Cody, (you’ll see him up by me at the wedding) and I decided to have one of our bonfires with a movie projected on the side of the house. Everything was set up and when she got there, I was so nervous that I shook her hand like we were entering a business meeting over a billion dollar contract. We both laughed it off and quickly found an unexpected comfortability in each other. The rest is history. I fell in love with Abbie faster than fast and quicker than quick. It’s an easy thing to do with Abbie, as most of you know. Her smile lights up every room she walks into, and her compassionate heart touches everyone around her, even if they are the appropriate covid “safe” distance away. Most importantly, though, she sees me for me and loves me despite it all... so I put a ring on it before she could run!! I cant wait to celebrate the big day with you all!!! Jon