Well we first met because of Hinge. She liked me first (nice), and looking through her profile, I thought she seemed pretty, kind, and fun. Although, she did have written that she prefers Subway to Jimmy John's, so there's a little red flag... But, I figured that was my intro to not have a boring "Hey, what's up" conversation, and I was pleasantly surprised when it sparked a fun debate! This led to the first date idea: we'd meet at a local park, and each bring a sandwich from our respective sandwich shops. Then we'd compare and come to a final verdict! No verdict was reached. I also brought my then 6-month-old puppy named Peanut to the park, because what female on the planet isn't a fan of little Goldendoodle puppies?? Lol apparently Kristin. It also didn't help the fact that early into our walk, Peanut had to poop and I couldn't find a trashcan within a 20-mile radius, so I ended up carrying this baggie for a bit, conscious of trying to stay downwind... Not as smooth as I'd hoped. But, the first several dates went REALLY WELL in the fact that we could so easily just talk and talk. To the point where we'd forget about our planned activity, because of the great, honest, and already deep conversations! This sort of connection I knew was rare and special. Things seemed to be going great for a while, until I suddenly got a text from Kristin asking to meet at a coffee shop to "talk about some things." Oh dear. That day, sitting at a table-for-two at Sidecar Coffee, Kristin made the case for why she thought we needed to break this off, and go our separate ways. And I said "no." Okay maybe I didn't put it that bluntly, but I knew that what we had going isn't something that just happens often, and I wasn't about to let this go without making a case of my own. So, after another long and honest conversation, we agreed that Kristin would take a week to think about it, then report back. And thank God she decided to take the risk, and jump into this journey with me. After some time, we'd begun to get to know each other more, enjoy each other's company, have fun meeting families, and getting involved with such incredible friends and community. I specifically remember when I realized that she was it for me... nowww it's just a matter of when she'd realize it too. Eventually, she did, and we were both all-in. We started talking about what our future might look like, and wedding plans started falling into place. Which then meant I guess I'd better propose! So, after about 2.5 amazing years of dating, we were engaged on February 8th, 2026! Thank you all for your support and encouragement all throughout this time! We are so excited to celebrate with you in October, and celebrate with each other for the rest of our lives.

Shout out to Hinge. ✌️ Here's how the story goes: I "liked" Adam on Hinge first and then he followed up with a debate on whether or not Jimmy Johns or Subway was better. Adam was (& still is) Team Jimmy Johns and I was (& still is) team Subway. Adam suggested that we solve this debate in person -- so that's what we did! I vividly remember pulling into the parking lot at Prairie Lakes Park and seeing a guy with a truck and his dog (Peanut). Mind you, he did ask if he could bring his 6 month old puppy to the date - but also mind you, I didn't fully disclose that I'm not necessarily a "dog person." We each brought our favorite sub of choice, cut said subs in half, and agreed to disagree that our opinions didn't change. Afterwards, we took a walk around the park - and as dogs do... Peanut took a poop which Adam carried the rest of the walk because it turns out this park has very minimal trash cans. Somehow, the dog or the poop didn't scare me away as I was impressed with Adam's ability to ask really good questions and listen intentionally. When I got home, my current roomies (Karla & Amber) were waiting to debrief the date. My main report was that "Adam's a normal guy!" and they later shared that it was clear my giddiness proved that point that he was more than just a normal guy. After that, we continued to go on dates until mid-December when I decided it would be best to call things off. We met at a coffee shop and I shared the news and yet Adam's response was "Kristin, I think we have something really special and good happening here. Give me a chance." In that moment, I remember feeling a nudge from the Holy Spirit to in fact... give this guy a chance. So, I told him to give me one week. After that week of prayer, asking for friends' advice at Zsavoos while eating breakfast pizza, and chatting with my counselor -- Adam and I met up at George's Local where I said "Let's go for it." That was December 18th, 2023. The following two years were busy with trips with friends, Adam helping with projects around my house, holidays spent with our extended families, and even volunteering together on a week long high school church trip together in Tennessee (ask Adam why that trip really mattered, haha). Adam also quickly got involved in volunteering in my church's worship team playing the drums. It really was the everyday moments of eating out (#cheesecurds), Monday night softball games, serving together at church, and lots of living room hangs with my roommates that made it evident that Adam was the lifelong guy for me. After a long few weeks of re-landscaping all of my house, we went out to eat at Longhorn Steakhouse where Adam initiated a conversation about rings. We decided to start ring shopping on our upcoming trip to Florida in December. In January, somehow within 48 hours our entire wedding was planned pre-proposal. (Whoops + no regrets.) In February, I planned a weekend trip with my pals (Abby, Mercedes, & Lexy) and Adam used that to orchestrate the most perfect proposal by surprising me in Decorah with family & friends. Wowza. What a whirlwind & exactly how it's meant to be. (Shoutout to God working in miraculous & surprising ways - like through the #34. Another story for another time...) Let's do this.