Colton and Lexy may have grew up in the same town, same grade, with their paths crossing frequently, but it wasn't until a PLTW Engineering class Sophomore year that God started to work his magic... As one of only a couple girls in the entire class, Lexy was forced to partner up with the boys for project work, and with groups of four being frequent, she was the perfect addition to the already established trio of buddies - Colton, Alec, and Brandon. Still to this day, we can't be sure if Colton sought out Lexy to join the group because of her brains or her looks, but lucky for him, she's got both! They continued to work together on various projects throughout the year and became great friends, teammates, and partners - the foundation for any great relationship. As the last day of Sophomore year rolled around, Lexy was on crutches due to a foot injury. Being the gentlemen he is, Colton offered to carry her books to her locker after class. He mustered up all his courage and asked for her phone number so they could stay in touch over the summer. Reluctantly, Lexy told him her number. Colton repeated it back to her to confirm it was correct, but he was one number off... Lexy contemplated leaving it, but ended up correcting him. That split second decision on June 10th, 2016, very well could have changed the course of their lives, forever! After a summer of texting and getting to know each other, Colton's sister, Paige, decided it was about time she got involved - after all, Lexy, or rather "Pooey," as most knew her at the time, was a long time gymnastics teammate of Paige's. After learning her big brother was interested in her friend, she decided to invite Lexy to the annual Booyah weekend at the Bauer cabin in August. Lexy might have attended the weekend as Paige's friend, but left as Colton's soon to be girlfriend... Don't worry, for mischievous Paige, we all know this was mission accomplished! Besides, she now has herself a great friend turned sister-in-law. On September 30th, 2016, Colton officially built up the courage to ask Lexy to be his girlfriend. Thankfully she mustered up enough confidence to respond, "Sure." Let's just say, Lexy was a bit resistant at first, but it's a good thing Colton is persistent. Over the last 9.5 years, their confidence in each other has only grown, and the appreciation for the unique value they both contribute to one another is unmatched. Just like the early days, life is a never ending test to courage, persistence, and trust, with the mentality of being best friends, teammates, and lifelong partners at the foundation of any strong marriage. From ages 16 to 26, these two have grown through many monumental milestones of life together - injuries, graduation, college, long distance, career transitions, travel, engagement, home buying, puppy parenting, etc. They've introduced each other to new hobbies and passions, found what brings them joy as a couple, while still supporting and fostering their individual interests. They strive to live a life of big dreams and have never loved each other more than on this very day. You are invited to share this day with the future Bauer's because you've played a role in their lives in some special way, whether big or small. Lexy and Colton are grateful for you, the wisdom and love you've shared with them over the years, and look forward to the rest of their lives with incredible excitement for the adventures yet to come!